While the official CFL free agency period doesn’t open up until Feb. 10, the Free Agency Communication Window, in which teams can openly speak with any clubs pending free agents, opens Sunday, Feb. 1 at 12 p.m. ET.
That’s where the real fun begins.
With there being only a couple of days until that legal “tampering” window gets opened up, let’s take a look at some of the best players set to hit the open market.
1. Jarrell Broxton – offensive tackle
Jarrell Broxton BC Lions (BC Lions)
The 32-year-old tops this list as the premier pass protector available. Over the last two seasons with the BC Lions, Broxton has led all tackles with a measly 2.7 per cent pressure rate allowed (min 600 pass block snaps).
Broxton was a major reason for turning around BC’s offensive line in 2025, as the team allowed the fewest sacks (20) after allowing the most as a unit in 2024 (43).
2. Wynton McManis – linebacker
Wynton McManis Toronto Argonauts
After four years with the Toronto Argonauts, McManis remains unsigned as the communication window looms.
The 31-year-old has been one of the most consistent players on the field and in terms of leadership over the last number of years, while putting up nearly 300 tackles, 12 sacks, and nine interceptions in his time as an Argo since 2022.
3. Malik Carney – defensive end
Malik Carney Saskatchewan Roughriders (Saskatchewan Roughriders)
The first of five Saskatchewan Roughriders on this list, Carney has ascended into a premier pass rusher north of the border.
In 2025, his 14.9 pressure rate topped the CFL, while his 62 pressures (fourth), eight sacks (fifth), and 39 tackles (fourth among defensive linemen) were top marks as well.
The Roughriders have numerous top pending free agents who all deserve to get paid, but by whom remains the question.
4. A.J. Allen – linebacker
A.J. Allen Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker A.J. Allen (32) celebrates after defeating the Toronto Argonauts in Regina, on Friday, October 10, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu (Heywood Yu/The Canadian Press)
The second Roughrider and first of three Canadians on the list, Allen had a breakout season defensively in 2025.
After becoming one of the best special teams players in the league, Allen got his shot in 2025 at weak-side linebacker and made the most of it, putting up 87 tackles, four sacks, three interceptions, and three forced fumbles.
Every team is looking for Canadians, especially ones with Allen’s ability.
5. Coulter Woodmansey – offensive guard/centre
Coulter Woodmansey Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL)
The best Canadian offensive lineman available by a good measure, the versatile Woodmansey is in a prime position to command a sizeable offer.
The 28-year-old’s 3.2 pressure rate allowed was the sixth best among all interior linemen in 2025, while he played a majority of his snaps at centre last season.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats re-signed American tackle Quinton Barrow, and Canadians Brandon Revenberg and Jakub Szott this off-season. Former All-Star guard Liam Dobson and 2024 first-round pick Nathaniel Dumoulin Duguay are also under contract, meaning Hamilton could potentially deal with the loss if Woodmansey were to move on.
6. Marc-Antoine Dequoy – safety
Marc-Antoine Dequoy
While the 31-year-old hasn’t been as dominant as he was in 2023, when he helped lead the Alouettes’ defence to a Grey Cup win, he has still been productive.
After putting up 57 tackles and five interceptions in 2023, the Quebec native has registered 66 tackles, three sacks, and three interceptions over the last two seasons.
It would be weird to see Dequoy wearing different colours than Montreal’s in 2026, but as of now, that remains a possibility.
7. Mike Rose – defensive tackle
Mike Rose Saskatchewan Roughriders (Saskatchewan Roughriders)
After seven seasons manning the middle of the Calgary Stampeders’ defensive front, Rose moved over to the Riders last season and was just as productive.
The 33-year-old registered 17 tackles, six sacks (third amongst defensive tackles), and 43 pressures (second amongst defensive tackles) in 2025 en route to aiding in a Grey Cup Win.
For a team that needs help on the interior, not many players have consistently performed at a high level other than Rose.
8. C.J. Reavis – nickel/safety
Saskatchewan Roughriders Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back Rolan Milligan (0) celebrates with defensive back CJ Reavis (1) and defensive lineman Benoit Marion (93) after an interception against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats during the second half of CFL football action in Regina, on Saturday, August 16, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu (Heywood Yu/The Canadian Press)
Over the past three seasons, Reavis has been fantastic in the nickel/safety rotation for Saskatchewan, leading the charge on a fast-attacking defence.
Just last season, the 30-year-old registered 61 tackles, two sacks, and one interception, and for a team that’s looking for an impact player, especially while defending the run, they could look no further than Reavis.
9. AJ Ouellette – running back
AJ Ouellette AJ Ouellette Saskatchewan Roughriders
One of two big fish left on the running back market alongside Hamilton’s Greg Bell, Ouellette is coming off a career year and was a big part in helping Saskatchewan win a Grey Cup.
The 30-year-old put up career highs in yards (1,222) and touchdowns (eight), while also making 35 grabs for 250 yards through the air.
With his physical running style, dynamism, and multiple teams out there that could look for an upgrade at running back, it will be interesting to see where he ends up.
10. Jake Ceresna – defensive tackle/end
Jake Ceresna Jake Ceresna Edmonton Elks
The 31-year-old finishes off the list as he looks to bounce back after a knee injury that hampered him to just 11 games last season with the Edmonton Elks.
Ceresna’s 16 tackles and one sack in 2025 were the lowest totals of his career, but after racking up 108 tackles and 30 sacks the previous three years combined, teams looking for a disruptor up the middle should still look Ceresna’s way.
Best of the rest: OT Joshua Coker, WR/KR Janarion Grant, RB Greg Bell, QB Jake Maier, QB Taylor Powell, WR Kurleigh Gittens Jr., WR Dejon Brissett, WR Ayden Eberhardt, WR Tommy Nield, WR Mitch Picton, WR David Ungerer, QB Dustin Crum, DB DaShaun Amos, DB Jonathan Moxey, WR DaVaris Daniels, DE James Vaughters, RB William Stanback, WR Jerreth Sterns, WR Shemar Bridges, WR Keric Wheatfall, WR Joe Robustelli, DE Lorenzo Mauldin IV, WR Dominique Rhymes, OG Phillippe Gagnon