The Edmonton Elks operate under the CFL’s $6.065 million salary cap for 2025, featuring the league’s highest-paid defensive player in Robbie Smith at $270,000 and twin brothers Tre and Tyrell Ford commanding combined $597,000 salaries.
Edmonton spent aggressively in 2025 free agency despite losing almost $4 million in 2023 and over $15 million across three seasons. Head coach Mark Kilam leads the rebuild after replacing interim coach Jarious Jackson, who took over when the team fired Chris Jones mid-season following an 0-5 start.
The Elks finished 7-11 in 2025, missing playoffs for the fifth consecutive season while paying premium prices to build around young Canadian talent.
Explore the Edmonton Elks players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.
| Quarterbacks (QB) | Running Backs (RB) | Wide Receivers (WR) |
| Cody Fajardo | Justin Rankin | Kurleigh Gittens Jr. |
| Tre Ford | Javon Leake | Alexander Hollins |
| Kaion Julien-Grant | ||
| Steven Dunbar Jr. | ||
| Arkell Smith |
Estimated Top 5 Highest-Paid Edmonton Elks Players
| Rank | Player | Position | Est. Salary (CAD) | Contract Type | Notes |
| 1 | Robbie Smith | Defensive Line | $270,000 | Through 2027 | CFL’s highest-paid defender, $90K signing bonus |
| 2 | Jake Ceresna | Defensive Tackle | $235,000 | Multi-year | 2x All-CFL, $125K signing bonus |
| 3 | Tyrell Ford | Defensive Back | $230,000 | Through 2027 | CFL’s highest-paid DB, $70K signing bonus |
| 4 | Tre Ford | Quarterback | $367,000 | Through 2027 | Max value with bonuses, $100K signing bonus |
| 5 | Jared Brinkman | Defensive Tackle | $160,000 | Through 2026 | $45K signing bonus from Toronto |
Robbie Smith’s $270,000 total compensation makes him the CFL’s highest-paid defensive player across all nine teams, with $180,000 base salary supplemented by a massive $90,000 signing bonus.
The Brampton, Ontario native can earn an additional $6,000 through all-star and awards incentives. Despite missing eight games due to injury in 2025 and recording just 16 tackles, Edmonton extended Smith through 2027 at $240,000 annually, demonstrating full confidence in the 28-year-old’s impact when healthy.
Tyrell Ford blew open the defensive back market earning $230,000, nearly $70,000 more than the previous position high of $165,000 in 2024. His twin brother Tre commands starting quarterback money at $367,000 maximum compensation, making the Ford brothers Edmonton’s cornerstone investment totaling $597,000 combined cap space.
Edmonton Elks Coaching Staff & Management
Mark Kilam serves as head coach earning estimated $200,000-250,000 CAD annually after spending 20 seasons with Calgary as special teams coordinator and assistant head coach.
The 45-year-old University of Alberta alum won three Grey Cups with Calgary (2008, 2014, 2018) before accepting Edmonton’s rebuild project. Kilam’s first season produced 7-11 record after inheriting 1-6 start from interim coach Jarious Jackson, who now coaches quarterbacks for Winnipeg.
General manager responsibilities remain separate from head coaching duties unlike Calgary’s Dave Dickenson dual-role model. Geroy Simon serves as interim GM after Chris Jones’s firing in July 2024, though permanent GM salary details remain undisclosed as Edmonton maintains front office privacy.
Assistant coach salaries range $75,000-110,000 CAD annually, slightly below league average as Edmonton cuts costs amid $15 million three-year losses. Total coaching staff budget estimated at $1.0-1.3 million represents CFL’s lower tier, trailing Toronto ($1.8M estimated), Saskatchewan ($1.5M), and Calgary ($1.2-1.5M).
How CFL Salaries Work at Edmonton Elks
The CFL’s $6.065 million hard salary cap for 2025 increased $412,365 from 2024 driven by league-wide revenue growth, though Edmonton continues losing money despite higher cap flexibility.
The Elks allocated approximately 10-12% of cap space to Tre Ford’s quarterback position at $367,000 maximum, significantly below elite QB spending by Toronto (Chad Kelly $615,000) and BC (Nathan Rourke $624,200).
Edmonton’s 2025 Defensive Investment Strategy:
- Robbie Smith (DL): $270,000 – League’s highest defensive salary
- Jake Ceresna (DT): $235,000 – 2x All-CFL veteran anchor
- Tyrell Ford (DB): $230,000 – Record-breaking defensive back money
- Jared Brinkman (DT): $160,000 – Former Toronto starter
- Total defensive spending: ~$895,000 (14.8% of cap)
Edmonton’s defense-first philosophy contrasts league trends favoring quarterback-heavy allocations. The Elks spent 50-55% of salary cap on defensive starters including Smith, Ceresna, and both Fords, believing elite defense compensates for cost-controlled offense led by Canadian QB Tre Ford’s affordable contract compared to American imports.
This strategy mirrors Saskatchewan’s 2007-2013 success with elite defenses and Canadian quarterback Darian Durant earning below-market salaries.
Tre Ford Contract Breakdown
Tre Ford signed a three-year extension through 2027 earning starting quarterback money despite Canadian status typically commanding lower salaries than American imports.
His 2025 compensation reaches $367,000 maximum including $100,000 signing bonus, $15,000 marketing money, and $14,700 housing allowance. Base salary of $237,300 ranks 8th among CFL quarterbacks but represents bargain pricing considering most starting QBs earn $450,000-625,000.
Ford’s 2026 compensation jumps to $400,000 maximum including playtime bonuses and performance incentives for playoff appearances. By 2027, his contract escalates to $440,000 hard money with $446,000 maximum, bringing three-year total potential earnings to $1,238,500.
The 26-year-old University of Waterloo graduate played out his three-year rookie deal earning approximately $80,000-95,000 annually before landing veteran starting QB money.
His dual-threat ability (3,748 passing yards, 24 TDs in 2024) combined with Canadian nationality creates salary cap advantages as Edmonton avoids paying premium American QB rates while maintaining competitive play.
Ford’s brother Tyrell earning $230,000 as defensive back creates unique family dynamic where siblings combine for $597,000 annual salaries.
Financial Reality for Edmonton Elks Players
Average Edmonton Elks salary approximates $115,000-125,000 CAD, slightly above league average due to aggressive 2025 free agency spending on defensive stars.
Only 6-8 players earn above $160,000, with the Elks’ top-heavy defensive investment strategy leaving limited cap space for offensive skill positions. Most offensive linemen earn $90,000-130,000 while receivers average $85,000-145,000 outside top targets.
Edmonton’s financial losses approaching $15 million over three seasons create organizational pressure despite player salaries protected by CFL’s hard cap system.
Ticket revenue dropped $1.4 million from 2022 to 2023 as fans abandoned Commonwealth Stadium during 22-game home losing streak. However, team treasurer Kara Flynn confirmed sufficient working capital maintaining 2025 operations despite dire finances.
Players face Edmonton’s relatively affordable cost of living compared to Toronto or Vancouver, with average rent around $1,400 monthly consuming 15-18% of rookie salaries versus 25-30% in Toronto.
Off-season employment remains necessary for 60-70% of roster earning under $120,000, with common positions including personal training, construction, sales, and coaching high school football during November-May offseason.
FAQs
How much does Robbie Smith make?
Robbie Smith earns $270,000 for 2025, making him the CFL’s highest-paid defensive player across all positions. His contract includes $180,000 base salary, $90,000 signing bonus, and $20,000 marketing money, with extension through 2027 at $240,000 annually.
What is Tre Ford’s salary?
Tre Ford earns up to $367,000 in 2025 with $100,000 signing bonus, increasing to $400,000 in 2026 and $440,000 in 2027. His three-year extension totals $1,238,500 maximum, representing starting QB money despite Canadian status typically earning less than American imports.
Why are Edmonton Elks salaries so high?
Edmonton spent aggressively in 2025 free agency signing the league’s three highest-paid defensive players (Robbie Smith $270K, Jake Ceresna $235K, Tyrell Ford $230K) despite losing $15 million over three seasons, betting elite defense compensates for financial struggles.
Can Edmonton Elks players make a living year-round?
Only 6-8 top earners like Robbie Smith ($270K) and Tre Ford ($367K) avoid off-season jobs. Most players earning $80,000-120,000 require secondary employment during November-May offseason, though Edmonton’s lower cost of living versus Toronto helps stretch salaries.
