Edmonton Elks sign all-star kick returner Javon Leake

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.

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

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

2:02 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.

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“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.

“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.

1:08 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.

“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.”