Like with Retirements the UFL has seen massive player movement the past several months. Staying in line with last year, the CFL has made plenty of noise reaping the rewards of UFL players who’ve found themselves on the waiver wire of UFL teams. Since the UFL began training camp, leading up until cut day, multiple CFL teams have begun making their way up North in hopes of extending their careers.
March 26th
Darrin Paulo Offensive Line Hamilton Ti-Cats
Paulo returned to spring football in 2024 after spending 2022 to 2023 with the Detroit Lions, after a short stint with the Tampa Bay Bandits (2022). Paulo would start all Ten games in 2024 for the Memphis Showboats, only to be released prior to training camp.
TJ Carter Defensive Back Edmonton Elks
After appearing in Two games for the Rams in 2022, Carter spent 2023 and 2024 with the Birmingham Stallions in 14 games for the team. Carter would be released on February 7th, before training camp by the Stallions and now joins the Elks for his first CFL opportunity.
Victor Bolden Wide Receiver B.C. Lions
Victor Bolden has been a mainstay in spring football since 2022 earning All-USFL honors, and winning Two championships (2022 Birmingham, 2023 Arlington). Bolden has even translated his play in spring football to several NFL contracts as well spending time with the Cardinals, Broncos, and Texans since 2022. Bolden would rejoin the Stallions in 2024, only to be removed from their roster and now joins the Lions for his 1st CFL opportunity.
March 27th
Lynn Bowden Wide Receiver Jr. B.C. Lions
Lynn Bowden was poised to be one of the UFL’s star players in 2025, with his versatile background and professional resume extremely enticing for those who have covered his career back in college. Bowden was released during the D.C. Defenders final cuts and should become a weapon for a wide-open game in the CFL.
March 31st
Maalik Hall Defensive Lineman Hamilton Tiger Cats
Hall was a late signing by the Birmingham Stallions after being waived by the Jets. Hall appeared in 3 games for Birmingham and resigned with the team in October of 2024. Hall was released in January prior to training camp.
April 1st
Deandre Johnson Defensive Lineman Ottawa Redblacks
No not the Quarterback this Deandre Johnson played for the Houston Roughnecks in 2023, eventually earning a deal with the Green Bay Packers for the 2024 season. Johnson would be waived prior to 2024 training camp and would attempt to latch on with the Birmingham Stallions this season. Johnson would be waived prior to the Stallions training camp, and now joins the Redblacks in an attempt to extend his career.
Marquise Lawson-Greenwood Defensive Lineman Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Lawson-Greenwood was the AFL’s Sack leader with the SW Kansas Storm before earning an opportunity with the Arlington Renegades before being released during final cuts. A small school prospect Lawson-Greenwood now has the opportunity to continue his career in the CFL.
April 8th
Jacob Copeland Wide Receiver Edmonton Elks
Copeland spent parts of two seasons with several NFL team whether it be in camp or on their practice squads. Copeland would join the D.C. Defenders in hopes of making their roster however, was released during final cuts.
April 10th
Shakur “Ike” Brown Defensive Back Ottawa Redblacks
Brown like Bolden has been a mainstay with spring football going back to 2022 with the Pittsburgh Maulers. Brown would earn an NFL contract with the Tennessee Titans spending the 2022 training camp with them before his release. Brown would join the Arlington Renegades in 2023 starting 9 games for the team enroute to their XFL Championship. Brown would not be a part of the UFL’s dispersal draft and now has joined his 2nd CFL team with the Redblacks.
April 14th
Joseph Scates Wide Receiver B.C. Lions
Scates was a part of the Showboats push for some local talent as he spent his last two years of college with the Tigers. Scates was waived during the Showboats final cuts and now joins the CFL’s B.C. Lions.
Justin Shaffer Offensive Lineman Calgary Stampeders
Shaffer is a 6th round pick from the 2022 NFL draft that spent Two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons before being released by the team in March of 2024. Shaffer joined the Brahmas in October of 2024, only to be released by San Antonio during final cuts.
