The Edmonton Elks made an announcement on Tuesday, revealing the signing of Nationals Hergy Mayala, Shane Richards, and Hunter Steward.
Richards, the first overall pick in the 2019 CFL Draft, brings with him a wealth of experience, having played 42 CFL regular-season games over four seasons with the Toronto Argonauts, including a Grey Cup win in 2022. The towering offensive lineman, standing at six-foot-eight, transitions to the Green and Gold after a brief stint with the Toronto team in 2023, where he appeared in just four games. Richards previously played collegiate football at Oklahoma State University from 2016 to 2018.
Steward, a veteran in the league, embarks on his 10th CFL season in 2024. The 32-year-old offensive lineman spent the past two seasons with the Ottawa REDBLACKS, contributing to 35 games. Before his time in Ottawa, Steward played seven seasons with the BC Lions after being drafted sixth overall by the team in 2013. Throughout his nine CFL seasons, Steward has amassed 124 career games, with 99 starts.
Mayala, drafted by the Calgary Stampeders in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2019 CFL Draft, brings his talent to the Elks. The Montreal native showcased his skills over two seasons with the Stampeders, followed by a stint with the Montreal Alouettes from 2022 to 2023. Mayala joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in October 2023 after being released by Montreal in late August. Throughout his CFL career, the UConn product has accumulated 107 receptions for 1,373 yards and seven touchdowns in 59 games.
Additionally, the Elks announced the placement of American defensive lineman Chauncey Manac on the retired list. Manac, who signed with Edmonton in January 2024, will no longer be actively participating.
