The Edmonton Elks brought in some familiar faces on Friday when they acquired offensive lineman Tony Washington and running back/kick returner Martese Jackson from the Montreal Alouettes in exchange for defensive lineman Mike Moore.
Washington will make its second trip back to Edmonton after first arriving in the 2014 CFL season. He helped the Edmonton soccer team win a Gray Cup championship in 2015 and was with the team through the early part of the 2017 season. Washington said he is looking forward to returning to Edmonton.
“We left a lot of things on the table and (I) was enjoying my time in Edmonton,” Washington said. “Edmonton remains one of my favorite places to be.
“The best experience I’ve ever had playing football was with Coach (Chris) Jones in Edmonton.”
Jones said what Washington will bring to his team is experience and toughness.
“You’re identified by how strong your offensive and defensive lines are, and Tony has been a physical player since 2011 when he came into the league,” Jones said. “That’s the kind of thing we need.”
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Washington also played for the Calgary Stampeders and Toronto Argonauts, winning a Gray Cup championship in 2012. The 35-year-old also suited up for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and was part of the trade that sent Johnny Manziel to Montreal. Alouettes in 2018.
Jackson played for Edmonton for parts of the 2018 and 2019 seasons. He has played for the Toronto Argonauts, and last season he played for the Montreal Alouettes.
Montreal Alouettes running back Martese Jackson attempts to get past Ottawa Redblacks fullback Marco Dubois on a punt return during first quarter CFL football action in Montreal on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Jackson has a career average of 10.8 yards on punt returns and has scored two touchdowns. He is averaging 19.9 yards on kickoff returns and has returned one missed field goal for a touchdown.
Jones said Jackson, like Washington, brings much-needed experience to the roster.
“You have to have someone who has done it before in the CFL with all the different playing surfaces – the wind and the things you have to be aware of,” Jones said. “Martese has certainly done that and has been a thorn in the side of us those few years playing against him.
“He’s a guy who can do both kickoffs and punt returns. With the league becoming more of a kick game, field position is critical.”
Washington signed a one-year contract extension for the 2022 season while Jackson was already under contract.
The Elks also signed 2020 CFL seventh-round pick Nicolas Summach on Friday.
Summach has spent the past five seasons with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, where he was part of the 2018 and 2021 Hardy Cup-winning teams.
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