Advertisement

Edmonton Elks sign all-star kick returner Javon Leake

Click to play video: 'Edmonton Elks reflect on disappointing season and look ahead to a better year to come'
Edmonton Elks reflect on disappointing season and look ahead to a better year to come
It was a season the Edmonton Elks wish they could do over — one that saw them finish dead last in the West. Despite the losses though, they said the fans stuck it out, and they're hoping to be able to reward them next year. Sarah Ryan reports. – Oct 23, 2023

The Edmonton Elks are hoping their special teams just got a lot more special on Tuesday, as free agency opened across the Canadian Football League.

The Elks have signed return specialist Javon Leake to a one-year contract to provide a boost to the return game, which hasn’t seen a punt return touchdown since the 2015 season.

Leake was named the CFL Most Outstanding Special Teams Player in 2023 after recording 1,216 punt return yards, the third-highest total in CFL history.

Leake recorded four punt return touchdown to set a new Argos record, putting him one off the league record set by Henry “Gizmo” Williams, formerly of the green and gold and Chris Williams.

Toronto Argonauts running back Javon Leake (32) returns the ball during second half CFL action against the Ottawa Redblacks, in Toronto, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Leake recorded a punt return average of 15 yards in 2023, his second season in the CFL.

Story continues below advertisement

He helped the Argos to a Grey Cup championship in 2022.

Click to play video: 'Argos celebrate Grey Cup championship win'
Argos celebrate Grey Cup championship win

Leake says the Elks were very aggressive in their pursuit of him, which involved many conversations with Elks assistant general manager Geroy Simon.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“They have just been on me since free agency opened up and we just built a connection with Geroy,” Leake said. “He went to Maryland, which was my college, so there was a lot of connection. And they have guys over there already that I know, so it just felt like a good fit.

“I’m just excited for the opportunity and I can’t wait to get to work.”

Head coach and general manager Chris Jones says Leake’s 15-yard punt return average from last season is an important attribute to have on his team when it comes to field position.

Story continues below advertisement

“Drive starts are extremely important,” Jones said. “It’s the biggest indicator in scoring and that’s why we took a good, strong look at him.”

Leake will join former teammates McLeod Bethel-Thompson, Kurleigh Gittens Jr., and Boris Bede, with whom he won a Grey Cup title in 2022.

Click to play video: 'Chris Jones on the Riders being 1 win away from playing in the Grey Cup'
Chris Jones on the Riders being 1 win away from playing in the Grey Cup

In all, the Elks had five players enter the free-agent market in receiver Manny Arceneaux, linebacker Jordan Reaves, offensive lineman Josiah St. John, and defensive lineman Daniel Ross and A.C. Leonard.

Jones says Leonard, who tied for the team lead in quarterback sacks with 12, chose to test the free-agent market. It’s possible Leonard could be an option in the near future but the salary would have to fit on the team’s cap.

Jones says as far as he’s concerned, 2024 free agency is a wrap.

Story continues below advertisement

“I believe we’re pretty much shutting it down,” Jones said. “We like our football team.

“I’m not saying that there won’t be somebody that pops up, but we like our football team.”

Sponsored content

AdChoices