Edmonton Elks Extend Contract for Justin Rankin

The Edmonton Elks have re-signed wide receiver Arkell Smith and defensive players Jordan Strachan and Jalen Green to future contracts starting in 2025. Smith, who had a notable collegiate career at Central Missouri, made 13 catches for 148 yards and one touchdown in a brief stint with the Elks. Meanwhile, rookie running back Justin Rankin has received a one-year contract extension through 2025 after leading all CFL rookies with 765 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 2024. Rankin's impressive performance included a 7.8 yards per carry average and four games with over 100 rushing yards. The Elks finished the 2024 season with a 7-11 record, marking their best performance since 2019, despite not qualifying for the playoffs. The team is set to hold its end-of-year media availability soon.