Photo: Jaclyn McKee/B.C. Lions
Whether it’s stopping the run or getting after the quarterback, the defensive line is a critical position for the success of any team. It’s the highest-paid defensive position group for a reason, as we’ve illustrated below.
3DownNation will be unveiling the CFL’s highest-paid players from each position group over the coming days. We’ve already covered quarterbacks, running backs, fullbacks, receivers, and offensive linemen, so don’t forget to check back for the rest.
“Hard money” is a CFL term that refers to any portion of a contract that is paid even if a player is hurt. This includes base salary, signing bonuses, roster bonuses, housing allowances, travel allowances, and training allowances. Marketing money, which is officially called “non-football-related services,” isn’t always guaranteed, though we’ve decided to include it in hard money for this series.
Any additional components — often referred to as “playtime” or “performance incentives” — are outlined in part or in full in the paragraph accompanying each player. These bonuses are often tied to how much a player sees the field, produces yardage, scores a touchdown, makes tackles, or whether or not they’re named an all-star.
“N” denotes National players (ie. Canadians) and “A” denotes American players
T-1) Mathieu Betts, B.C. Lions (N)
Hard money: $270,000
Maximum value: $276,000
The CFL’s two-time Most Outstanding Defensive Player is entering the final year of his contract with the Lions, which he signed shortly after the 2024 season. The Montreal native earned an $80,000 roster bonus in January and will also collect $175,300 in salary, $14,700 in housing, and up to $6,000 in awards incentives as the year progresses.
T-1) Malik Carney, Edmonton Elks (A)
Hard money: $270,000
Maximum value: $272,500
The six-foot-three, 245-pound defender got a big raise to join the Elks in free agency after winning a Grey Cup with Saskatchewan in 2025. Carney got a $150,000 signing bonus to agree to the deal, which also includes $85,000 in salary, $15,000 in marketing, $15,000 in housing, and $5,000 in travel. The native of Alexandria, Va. can also earn an additional $2,500 in awards incentives.
3) Jake Ceresna, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)
Hard money: $235,000
Maximum value: $235,000
The two-time All-CFL selection got a $120,000 signing bonus to join the Blue Bombers in free agency after an injury-plagued season in Edmonton. The six-foot-four, 295-pound defender will also earn $70,000 in salary, $20,000 in marketing, $15,000 in housing, $5,000 in travel, and $5,000 in training in 2026.
4) Robbie Smith, Edmonton Elks (N)
Hard money: $230,000
Maximum value: $248,500
The Wilfrid Laurier product got a $50,000 signing bonus to rework his deal with the Elks in November, which carries through 2027. The native of Brampton, Ont. will earn $135,000 in salary, $25,000 in marketing, $15,000 in housing, and $5,000 in travel in 2026. He can also earn up to $18,500 in incentives, including a $5,000 bonus if he dresses for at least nine regular-season games.
Photo: Leah Hennel/CFL.ca
5) Folarin Orimolade, Calgary Stampeders (A)
Hard money: $221, 500
Maximum value: $227,500
The two-time Grey Cup champion got a $75,000 signing bonus to agree to a new deal with the Stampeders in January. The 30-year-old native of Washington, D.C. will also collect $106,500 in salary, $20,000 in marketing, $15,000 in housing, $4,000 in travel, and $1,000 in training in 2026, plus up to $6,000 in awards incentives.
6) Clarence Hicks, Calgary Stampeders (A)
Hard money: $216,000
Maximum value: $245,000
The breakout All-West Division selection signed a lucrative three-year contract extension with the Stampeders, which includes a $101,000 salary, $100,000 signing bonus, $15,000 in housing, and up to $29,000 in other incentives. Hicks will be paid $500 each time he dresses for a regular-season game and $10,000 if he wins Most Outstanding Player in any category.
7) Mustafa Johnson, Montreal Alouettes (A)
Hard money: $205,000
Maximum value: $214,000
The native of Aurora, Col. will make $176,580 in salary in 2026, the last year of the contract he signed in 2025. The one-time All-East Division selection earned a $10,000 roster bonus and will collect another $15,420 in housing, $3,000 in travel, and up to $9,000 in statistical and awards incentives this year.
8) Jonah Tavai, B.C. Lions (A)
Hard money: $195,000
Maximum value: $202,500
The San Diego State product cashed-in off a breakout season with the Lions in 2025, collecting a $60,000 signing bonus on a one-year contract extension. The 25-year-old will also receive $115,600 in salary, $15,400 in housing, $4,000 in travel, and up to $7,500 in awards incentives in 2026.
9) Bryce Carter, Ottawa Redblacks (A)
Hard money: $190,000
Maximum value: $199,000
The six-foot, 252-pound defender reworked his deal with the Redblacks in January, when he collected a $70,000 signing bonus. Carter will also earn $95,000 in salary, $15,000 in housing, $5,000 in marketing, $5,000 in travel, and up to $9,000 in statistical and awards incentives this season in Ottawa.
Photo: Winnipeg Blue Bombers
10) Willie Jefferson, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)
Hard money: $186,500
Maximum value: 186,500
The six-time All-CFL selection got a $75,000 signing bonus to return for a seventh season in Bomberland, where he’ll earn $70,580 in salary, $17,500 in marketing, $15,420 in housing, and $8,000 in travel. Jefferson notched only three sacks in 2025, though he led the CFL with 16 pass knockdowns.
11) Habakkuk Baldonado, Ottawa Redblacks (G)
Hard money: $185,000
Maximum value: $194,000
The native of Rome, Italy became the highest-paid Global player in CFL history this offseason after winning a Grey Cup with the Roughriders last year. The six-foot-four, 251-pound defender got a $55,000 signing bonus to join the Redblacks, and will also earn $104,600 in salary, plus other monies.
12) Casey Sayles, B.C. Lions (A)
Hard money: $182,500
Maximum value: $193,500
The 30-year-old native of Omaha, Neb. got a $50,000 signing bonus to join B.C. after being released by the Tiger-Cats. Sayles will also earn $110,000 in salary, $15,000 in housing, $5,000 in marketing, $2,500 in travel, and up to $11,000 in playtime and awards incentives.
T-13) Julian Howsare, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)
Hard money: $170,000
Maximum value: $182,500
The six-foot-three, 255-pound defender recorded a career-high 13 sacks in 2025, leading the Tiger-Cats to give him a raise for 2026. The 33-year-old got a $50,000 signing bonus to remain in Steeltown and will earn an additional $91,600 in salary, $15,400 in housing, $5,000 in marketing, $5,000 in travel, $3,000 in training, and up to $12,500 in awards incentives.
T-13) Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund, Montreal Alouettes (N)
Hard money: $170,000
Maximum value: $176,000
The native of Darmouth, N.S. earned a second All-East Division selection in 2025 and is entering the final year of his contract with Montreal. Adeyemi-Berglund collected a $35,000 roster bonus this offseason and will earn $117,800 in salary, $14,700 in housing, $2,500 in travel, and up to $6,000 in awards incentives this year.
