Elks sign QB Fajardo to 1-year contract extension

The Edmonton Elks have re-signed starting quarterback Cody Fajardo on a one-year deal.

Cody Fajardo is returning to the Edmonton Elks next season.

The former Grey Cup most valuable player, who took over as the Canadian Football League team’s starting quarterback in late July, finished the 2025 campaign by completing 73.2 per cent of his passes, good for second in the CFL, and helping the Green and Gold claw back into playoff contention.

The 33-year-old finished the season with 3,408 passing yards and 14 touchdowns through the air along with 319 yards and seven touchdowns rushing in 13 starts.

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Elks general manager Ed Hervey said in a media release on Tuesday that the one-year contract extension for Fajardo “underscores our commitment to stability and progress, positioning the team for an exciting and promising 2026 season.”

Fajardo said he’s “ready to continue the incredible momentum we built to finish last season.”

“I’m motivated to be the quarterback that helps lead this team back to the postseason, and believe we came to a deal that makes me feel valued and will provide the club with the flexibility to build a competitive roster,” he said.

Fajardo came to the Elks last season following a trade with the Montreal Alouettes for fellow signal-caller Macleod Bethel-Thompson. He assumed starting quarterback duties from Tre Ford, who’d gone 1-4 before handing the reins to Fajardo. The Elks finished last in the five-team West Division with a 7-11 record but were in contention for a playoff spot until the final week of the season.

Fajardo was named Grey up MVP in 2023 when he led the Alouettes to the league title. The Brea, Calif., native and University of Nevada product previously played in the CFL for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, B.C. Lions and Toronto Argonauts.