Photo courtesy: Edmonton Elks
The Arizona Cardinals worked out Edmonton Elks’ punter Jake Julien on Friday, per the NFL transaction wire.
Julien rejoined the Elks midseason after he was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in training camp. In eight games, he punted 49 times for 2,503 gross yards and 1,980 net yards, averaging 51.1 net yards per boot, and made two special teams tackles.
The 27-year-old had a standout season with the Elks in 2024 when he led the CFL in gross punting average (54.0 yards) and net punting average (40.0 yards). He broke the league’s single-season gross punting record set by Jon Ryan in 2005 and tied for the league lead with eight punts inside the 10-yard line. He also recorded 15 singles, including a memorable game-winner in overtime.
The native of Barrie, Ont., was originally selected by the Ottawa Redblacks in the fourth round of the 2021 CFL Draft. He chose to return to school for his final year of eligibility at Eastern Michigan University, and signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2022, though he was released in training camp.
Last offseason, Julien signed with the Buccaneers after working out for at least six NFL teams. Arizona marked his second workout this offseason, following a visit to the New Orleans Saints.
The NFL workout window opened on Monday, November 17. The window to sign with an NFL team opens January 5, 2026, and ends February 10, 2026, at 12:01 p.m. EST.
NFL teams must ask CFL franchises for permission to work out players, and the request cannot be denied. Julien is under contract with Edmonton for 2026, though CFL players can opt out of their agreements north of the border if an NFL team offers a contract. Edmonton would maintain his rights through the duration of the voided contract.
The Cardinals have already been eliminated from playoff contention and sit last in the NFC West with a 3-11 record. They will host the Atlanta Falcons (5-9) on Sunday, December 21, at 4:05 p.m. EST.