Football (CFL)

OTTAWA — Michael Wakefield is staying put. The veteran American defensive lineman signed a one-year contract extension with the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday, which was also Wakefield's 30th birthday.

MONTREAL — Marcel Desjardins is back in the Montreal Alouettes front office. The Alouettes announced Thursday that Desjardins, 57, of Burlington, Ont.

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Elks signed Canadian offensive lineman Brett Boyko two a two-year contract extension Wednesday. Boyko was slated to become a free agent next month.

CALGARY — Reggie Begelton is sticking around Calgary for another year. A league source said Wednesday the veteran receiver and Calgary Stampeders have agreed to a new contract that will keep Begelton in Alberta through the 2025 season.

Kyle Walters is in a holding pattern. The Winnipeg general manager has re-signed seven of the Blue Bombers 35 pending free agents to date.

Keeping Toronto's staunch defence intact promises to be a big challenge for Argonauts GM Mike (Pinball) Clemons. Toronto has already lost defensive coordinator Corey Mace, who was hired last month as the Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach.

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Elks released American quarterback Taylor Cornelius and Canadian linebacker Adam Konar on Tuesday. The release of Cornelius wasn't surprising as Edmonton signed veteran quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson last weekend.

Shawn Burke has a big decision to make. The Ottawa GM confirmed Tuesday veteran quarterback Jeremiah Masoli is due a signing bonus (reportedly $100,000) Monday.

McLeod Bethel-Thompson is returning to Canada to lead the Edmonton Elks to their first Grey Cup title since 2015 and mentor his potential replacement. Bethel-Thompson signed a one-year deal with Edmonton on Sunday.

WINNIPEG — Mike O'Shea has the best of both worlds. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers promoted defensive backs coach Jordan Younger to defensive co-ordinator on Monday.