In 2025, a veneer of sweeping change covers the Calgary Stampeders, save for the everlasting presence of Dave Dickenson.<\/p>\n
Calgary\u2019s head coach and general manager \u2014 into his 17th year on the Stampeders\u2019 staff \u2014 is helming a team that will see a great deal of roster change in 2025.<\/p>\n
In all that change comes the hope that the Stamps will be as revitalized as their home turf, with a new field being installed at McMahon Stadium.<\/p>\n
Here are five things to know about the Calgary Stampeders.<\/p>\n
RELATED VERNON\u2019S AT THE WHEEL<\/p>\n After making an off-season trade with the BC Lions to acquire quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., the Stampeders have a very different kind of pivot running the show in 2025.<\/p>\n After two-and-a-half seasons with pocket-passer Jake Maier<\/a> (now in Saskatchewan) at the controls, the Stamps now have \u201cBig Play VA\u201d bringing in his strong arm and abilities to re-set plays on the fly with his legs.<\/p>\n Not that Adams can\u2019t run a quick-strike passing game from the pocket; indeed, he has become better and better at that as he has aged, making him a threat from between the tackles as well as outside of them.<\/p>\n At 32-years-old, Adams should still be in his prime, so the stage is set for a different-looking kind of Calgary offence in 2025.<\/p>\n Is it June yet\u2026 \u2063 \u2014 CFL (@CFL) April 2, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n SOME PRETTY GREAT PASSENGERS IN THAT CAR TOO<\/p>\n Not only do the Stamps have Adams in the driver\u2019s seat, they have receivers in the fold that make for an intriguing mix for the upcoming season.<\/p>\n In adding free agent Dominique Rhymes<\/a> (1,011 yards with Ottawa in 2024), Calgary reunites a dominating receiver with the quarterback he knows from his time in BC.<\/p>\n Tevin Jones<\/a> is aboard as well, coming over from Edmonton to give Adams Jr. another big target. Already in-house is the sublime Reggie Begelton<\/a> and his 1,150 receiving yards last season and the electric Jalen Philpot, as well as former thousand-yard receiver Malik Henry<\/a>, looking for a comeback after missing all of 2024 with a knee injury.<\/p>\n In the backfield, Calgary has Dedrick Mills<\/a> (1,700 yards rushing over his last two seasons) and newly-added Canadian tailback Jeshrun Antwi<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n Like I said, pretty good passengers accompanying the wheel man. The cap ought to be well-loosened on the Calgary offence in 2025.<\/p>\n some serious yeehawing happening in this picture! \ud83e\udd20\u2063 \u2014 CFL (@CFL) March 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n DEFENSIVE LINE WILL GO WITH THE FLO AGAIN<\/p>\n In shaking things up on the defence, the Stampeders traded a very good player in return for another very good player, one who has history with the team.<\/p>\n Linebacker Cameron Judge was dealt to the Toronto Argonauts for one of the CFL\u2019s elite pass rushers, Folarin Orimolade<\/a>, who, of course, first secured that reputation as a member of the Stampeders before signing with the Argos two years ago.<\/p>\n Orimolade will be part of a re-tooled Calgary defensive line, one that will be without 2024 mainstays Julian Howsare<\/a> (Hamilton), Mike Rose<\/a> (Saskatchewan) and James Vaughters<\/a> (Winnipeg). Veteran Miles Brown comes over in free agency after three seasons in Saskatchewan.<\/p>\n The unit has a new tutor in Hall-of-Famer John Bowman (134 career sacks), who joins the club after three seasons as a defensive line coach with BC.<\/p>\n The \u2018refresh\u2019 button has been tapped on the Calgary defensive line. It will be up to Orimolade to key the rejuvenation.<\/p>\n just go with the Flo \ud83d\udc0e pic.twitter.com\/NhIxQd8PZ5<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) January 13, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n BUT WAIT! THERE\u2019S MORE!<\/p>\n It\u2019s not just the line where there are changes on the defence.<\/p>\n With Judge off to Toronto, middle linebacker Micah Awe<\/a> signing with the BC Lions, and SAM Branden Dozier<\/a> not re-signed, the Stampeders\u2019 linebacking corps gets a makeover in 2025.<\/p>\n SAM Derrick Moncrief<\/a>, a two-time Divisional All-CFLer, has joined the crew after spending 2024 in Edmonton. Gary Johnson Jr. formerly of Ottawa) and Fraser Sopik<\/a> (Toronto) were also signed in free agency. Micah Teitz<\/a> might be back into a starting role as he enters his second season in Calgary.<\/p>\n On the back end, more sweeping change. Calgary got one of the big prizes in free agency when they signed defensive back Damon Webb<\/a> (five interceptions with Ottawa last season) and they bolstered the Canadian content by snapping up ex-BC Lion Adrian Greene<\/a> in free agency. Gone are halfbacks Demerio Houston<\/a>, Kobe Williams (Edmonton) and, as of now, veteran Tre Roberson<\/a>, who remains a free agent.<\/p>\n with great power comes great responsibility \ud83d\udd78\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/Im9MJk2xAu<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) February 14, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n BEYOND ALL THAT, A FEW MORE QUESTIONS REMAIN<\/p>\n The Stampeders have voids to fill on special teams and on the offensive line, heading into 2025.<\/p>\n Returner Peyton Logan opted for Winnipeg in free agency, so Calgary needs to address that very important need. Maybe it\u2019s Erik Brooks, entering his second season as a Stamp after returning 30 punts and kickoffs in 2024.<\/p>\n Global punter Cody Grace<\/a> signed with Edmonton this past winter, so Calgary will have a new punter for the first time in five seasons.<\/p>\n On the offensive line, same story at the centre position. For the first time in five seasons, Calgary will have a new centre after veteran Sean McEwen<\/a> left, in free agency, for Saskatchewan. His backup in 2024, Rodeem Brown<\/a>, is back for season number two in Calgary and 2024 first round pick Christy Nkanu is a possibility at the position as well.<\/p>\n
\u00bb BUY SEASON TICKETS<\/a>
\u00bb DETAILS: 2025 Stampeders Schedule<\/a>
\u00bb READ: 10 Big Impact Stamps Draft Selections<\/a>
\u00bb WATCH: Bret Michaels Announced As Stampede Bowl Performer<\/a>
\u00bb WATCH: Stampede Bowl Logo Reveal<\/a><\/p>\n
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66 more days until we see VA slinging it to Rhymes in Calgary! \ud83e\udee8\u2063
\u2063#CFL<\/a> | via IG\/theqbmovement pic.twitter.com\/HdH94xKHFR<\/a><\/p>\n
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via @bigplay_va<\/a> | #CFL<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/1qSu37x5uT<\/a><\/p>\n