Elks make big free agency splash, sign trio of veterans

The Edmonton Elks made a big splash on the first day of CFL free agency.

The Elks signed receiver Kenny Lawler and defensive back Ed Gainey, both Americans, as well as Canadian offensive lineman Mark Korte on Tuesday, less than two hours after the start of free agency.

Lawler's one-year deal is reportedly worth $300,000, which would make him the CFL's highest-paid non-quarterback.

The six-foot-three, 197-pound Lawler had 64 catches for a CFL-high 1,014 yards with six TDs in 13 games last season with Winnipeg. He helped the Bombers win consecutive Grey Cups during his two seasons with the club.

Gainey joins the Elks after five seasons with Saskatchewan. The five-foot-11 193-pounder registered 309 tackles, 36 special-teams tackles, one sack and 23 interceptions in 126 career CFL regular-season games with the Riders (2016-19, 2021), Hamilton (2014-15) and Montreal (2012-13).

The six-foot-two, 293-pound Korte returns home after spending his first three CFL seasons with Ottawa (2018-19, 2021). The native of Spruce Grove, Alta., played collegiately at Alberta.

Linebacker Darnell Sankey is on the move.

Sankey, who had a league-leading 97 tackles last season with the Calgary Stampeders, signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The six-foot-one, 245-pound Sankey also had one special-teams tackle, one sack and one forced fumble last season.

Before coming to Canada, Sankey spent time with the NFL's Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats re-signed Canadian defensive tackle Ted Laurent.

Laurent, a five-time East Division all-star, will return for his eighth season with the club.

The 34-year-old started 11-of-13 games last season with Hamilton,