Malik Carney admitted it was tough to leave the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2026 CFL free agency and sign with the Edmonton Elks.
“Those last couple of years, build a brotherhood with some of those guys that’ll last forever. That’s what’s unique about this game; it’s not the football, it’s not the money — it’s the relationships you build that last a lifetime. I’m grateful for the boys that I spent the last two years with over there in Sask. Sometimes when you’re comfortable — being comfortable is not always the best situation,” Carney told 3DownNation.
“I know a lot of fans have questions and wonder how things go down, it’s not always what it seems — not diving too much into that. I would have loved to have been back in Sask, but it didn’t play out that way. When you have a great opportunity to further your career, do bigger and better things, you’re going to take those opportunities. Signing with the Elks, I feel like that was the best opportunity for me to further my career, win another Grey Cup and build another brotherhood with the guys.”
Carney did not want to disclose which other teams showed interest in him during the communication window. The 30-year-old was undoubtedly the best pass rusher to make it to the open market. He led the three-down league with a 14.9 percent pressure rate in 2025 and recorded 62 QB pressures while producing a single-season career-high eight sacks. That’s why Carney was sought after by CFL franchises.
“It was honestly 50-50. I had other teams showing a lot of interest and really undecided until it was time to make a decision. Not only the Elks, there was other teams. I narrowed it down to the coaching staff. I felt like Edmonton was the best fit schematically and roster-wise,” Carney said.
“They feel that I was a piece that can come in and help impact the season. I’m grateful that I’m in this position to be able to be named that. I felt like Edmonton was the best fit. The coaching staff, the front office, the personnel, and also knowing a few guys who were already here on the team. It was an easy decision.”
Business played a major role in his decision to move to the Alberta capital. Carney received a $150,000 signing bonus to ink his contract, which is worth $270,000 in hard money for both 2026 and 2027. That totals $540,000 in hard money over the two-year term. General manager Ed Hervey made him the highest-paid American defensive player in the CFL’s salary cap era.
“That sounds amazing. I’m fortunate to be able to do what I do, play this game and take care of my family. I’m fortunate to be able to be in this place, in this spot in my career to where I can do that for my family,” Carney said.
“Having that relationship with Ed, it was a plus, but it was more than having that relationship with him. We definitely had conversations when we were in the midst of it, but it’s a business decision. I had to weigh all my options. It was about the best fit for not only myself, but for my family. As a man, we live to provide and protect.”
The Elks’ offensive line protected Cody Fajardo well enough for the Green and Gold to beat Saskatchewan in Week 17 last season. Fajardo completed 18-of-23 passes for 305 yards as Edmonton won 27-25 over the eventual 112th Grey Cup champions. Hervey made No. 7 the franchise QB with a contract extension in December. His presence with the Elks played a role in Carney joining the team.
“Watching Cody from afar, I believe in his talents. He was in Montreal getting it done. I know that he still is very capable of getting it done,” Carney said. “Looking at the offence, I feel like the offence was very explosive. That was another part of me coming to the Elks, my belief in Cody and the offence that he can be so explosive and lead that offence to scoring points and then win.”
Edmonton plays Saskatchewan three times during the 2026 regular season. Back-to-back in Week 8 and 9; Thursday, July 23 at Mosaic Stadium, then Saturday, August 1 at Commonwealth Stadium. Both teams end the regular schedule in Week 21, playing each other in Regina on Saturday, October 24.
“They’re going to see me, and they’re going to feel me,” Carney said. “That’s all I got to say for them.”
