The Washington Commanders dealt with Edmonton Elks player Jake Julien on Tuesday, per NFL transaction protocol.
The 27-year-old returned to the Elks midway through the 2025 season after being released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In eight games, he carried 49 times for an average of 40.4 yards. He also made two special teams tackles.
Native of Barrie, Ontario. He had a standout season with Edmonton in 2024, leading the CFL in punting average (54.0 yards) and net punting average (40.0 yards). He broke the league record for most punts in a single season, set by John Ryan in 2005, and tied for the league lead with eight punts inside the 10-yard line. He also recorded 15 singles. including a memorable overtime game winner.
Julien was originally selected by the Ottawa Redblacks in the fourth round of the 2021 CFL Draft. He decided to return to school for his final year of eligibility at Eastern Michigan University and then signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2022. The team released him in training camp.
The specialist signed with the Buccaneers last offseason after working for at least six NFL teams. He visited three teams this offseason, including New Orleans Saints And Arizona Cardinals.
NFL Practice Window opened on Monday, November 17th.. The window to sign with an NFL team opens January 5, 2026 and ends February 10, 2026 at 12:01 pm EST.
NFL teams must request permission from CFL franchises to train players, and that request cannot be denied. Julien is under contract with Edmonton through 2026, although CFL players could opt out of their agreements north of the border if an NFL team offers a contract. Edmonton will retain its rights for the duration of the canceled contract.
