TORONTO \u2014 Few things disrupt an offence like consistent pressure off the edge.<\/p>\n
While sacks tend to grab the headlines, total pressures offer a broader look at the defenders who consistently forced quarterbacks off their spot throughout the 2025 season. Whether it resulted in hits, hurries, or sacks, these defenders made life difficult for opposing passers on a weekly basis.<\/p>\n
According to Pro Football Focus, these five players led the CFL in pressures last season. From award winners to rising stars earning new contracts, each of them played a major role in their team\u2019s defensive success.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a look at five of the league\u2019s most effective pass rushers from 2025.<\/p>\n
RELATED MATHIEU BETTS |\u00a0 80 PRESSURES<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s no surprise to see Mathieu Betts<\/a> at the top of this list.<\/p>\n The BC Lions star led the league with 80 pressures in 2025 according to Pro Football Focus, constantly collapsing pockets and forcing opposing quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations. Betts\u2019 relentless motor and explosive first step made him one of the most difficult pass rushers in the league to contain.<\/p>\n His dominant season earned him recognition as the CFL\u2019s Most Outstanding Defensive Player, further cementing his status as one of the premier defenders in the game.<\/p>\n JULIAN HOWSARE | 78 PRESSURES<\/p>\n Julian Howsare gets the sack!#CFLGameday<\/a> \u2014 CFL (@CFL) October 4, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Julian Howsare<\/a> continued to be one of the CFL\u2019s most disruptive defenders in 2025.<\/p>\n The Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive end finished second in the league with 78 pressures, consistently winning one-on-one matchups and providing a steady source of pressure throughout the season. His performance also saw him finish as the runner-up for Most Outstanding Defensive Player.<\/p>\n Hamilton rewarded that production by extending Howsare\u2019s contract<\/a>, ensuring one of their defensive cornerstones remains in place.<\/p>\n CLARENCE HICKS | 73 PRESSURES<\/p>\n Clarence Hicks moves in and shuts it down!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcc5: @calstampeders<\/a> vs. Lions LIVE NOW \u2014 CFL (@CFL) October 4, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Clarence Hicks<\/a> enjoyed a breakout campaign with the Calgary Stampeders.<\/p>\n Hicks finished the season with 73 pressures, establishing himself as one of the league\u2019s most dangerous edge rushers. His ability to generate consistent pressure helped anchor Calgary\u2019s defensive front and made him a constant threat off the edge.<\/p>\n Recognizing his emergence, the Stampeders signed Hicks to a contract extension<\/a> that keeps him in Calgary through the 2028 season.<\/p>\n ANDREW CHATFIELD JR. | 65 PRESSURES<\/p>\n BIG TIME SACK!<\/p>\n Toronto\u2019s sacks leader Andrew Chatfield gets his 7th of the season!#CFLGameday<\/a> \u2014 CFL (@CFL) August 23, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Andrew Chatfield Jr.<\/a> proved to be a key contributor for the Toronto Argonauts defensive line.<\/p>\n Chatfield finished fourth in the CFL with 65 pressures, showcasing a blend of speed and power that allowed him to consistently challenge offensive tackles. His ability to create disruption played a major role in Toronto\u2019s pass rush throughout the year.<\/p>\n Still early in his CFL career, Chatfield\u2019s 2025 performance suggests there could be even more production to come.<\/p>\n MALIK CARNEY | 64 PRESSURES<\/p>\n Malik Carney halts the Winnipeg drive! @oktire<\/a> #LDWeekend<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f: Blue Bombers vs. @sskroughriders<\/a> LIVE NOW \u2014 CFL (@CFL) August 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Before hitting free agency, Malik Carney<\/a> delivered an impressive season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.<\/p>\n Carney finished fifth in the league with 64 pressures, rounding out a top five group dominated by elite edge rushers. His ability to collapse the pocket made him one of Saskatchewan\u2019s most impactful defensive players in 2025.<\/p>\n Carney is also the only player in this top five who changed teams this off-season, signing with the Edmonton Elks<\/a> and bringing his disruptive pass rushing ability to Edmonton for 2026.<\/p>\n
\u00bb 5 running backs that made defenders miss in 2025<\/a>
\u00bb 5 receivers that moved the sticks in 2025<\/a>
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