Edmonton Elks sign QB Cody Fajardo to contract extension through 2026

The Edmonton Elks have signed veteran quarterback Cody Fajardo to a contract extension through the 2026 season.

Originally a six-foot-one, 215-pound QB signed with the Elks in December 2024 following a trade acquisition. During the 2025 season, he appeared in all 18 regular season games for the team. The 33-year-old has taken over the starting role Canadian Tre Ford in Week 8 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, when he threw for a season-high 346 yards against the eventual Gray Cup champions.

“The contract extension of Cody Fajardo underscores our commitment to stability and progress as we prepare the team for an exciting and promising 2026 season,” general manager Ed Hervey said in a statement.

Fajardo helped Edmonton overcome a 1–4 start and lead the Green and Gold back into playoff contention, although the team fell to a 7–11 record in the West Division.

The Brea, Calif. native completed 73.2 percent of his passes, second in the league, for 3,408 yards with 14 touchdowns against seven interceptions. He added 55 carries for 319 yards with seven majors on the ground. His 21 total touchdowns were Fajardo's most since the 2022 season.

“I am thrilled to re-sign with Edmonton and am ready to build on the incredible momentum we built to finish out last season. I am motivated to be the quarterback who will help this team return to the postseason and believe we have come to an agreement that will make me feel valued and provide the club with the flexibility to build a competitive roster,” Fajardo said in a statement.

“I’m proud to be a part of this organization, proud of what we are building here and looking forward to another great year with the Green and Gold.”

During the Week 15 matchup with the Toronto Argonauts, Fajardo set the franchise record for most consecutive completions in a game with 22, a record shared with his former head coach Jason Maas, who accomplished the feat against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2004. Fajardo also passed for over 20,000 passing yards in his 2025 CFL career.

In nine seasons in the CFL, Fajardo's teams reached the postseason six times. His best playoff performance came on the biggest stage when he led the Montreal Alouettes to a 28-24 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 110th Gray Cup. He completed 21 of 26 passes for 290 yards with three touchdowns and one interception, including game-winning 19-yard touchdown pass to Tyson Philpot with 13 seconds left win for the Als and earn the Gray Cup MVP award.

The University of Nevada product suits up for the Toronto Argonauts, BC Lions, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Alouettes and Elks. Fajardo's most productive season in the CFL came in 2019 with the Riders, when he led the league in passing yards with a season-best 4,302 yards. He also recorded 18 passing touchdowns, eight interceptions, 611 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns on 107 carries.

In 141 CFL games, Fajardo completed 71.3 percent of his passes for 21,406 yards with 97 touchdowns to 59 interceptions. He also carried 551 times for 2,810 yards (5.1 per carry) with 48 big hits on the ground.