The Edmonton Elks and defensive back Ed Gainey agreed to a one-year contract extension through the 2023 season on Thursday. The 32-year-old from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, made 47 tackles, one interception, and two forced fumbles in 18 games for the Elks in 2022.
This will be Gainey’s second season in Edmonton. He signed with Edmonton as a free agent in 2022. In addition, this will be Gainey’s eleventh season in the CFL. Gainey signed with the Montreal Alouettes in 2012. He played two seasons in Montreal with 23 tackles and one touchdown in 21 games.
In 2014, Gainey signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He played two seasons in Hamilton with 70 tackles, two interceptions, and one forced fumble in 22 games. Then in 2016, Gainey signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He played five seasons in Saskatchewan with 252 tackles, one sack, 21 interceptions, three touchdowns, and four forced fumbles in 83 games.
During his time in Saskatchewan, Gainey was named a two-time CFL West All-Star (2017-18) and a two-time CFL All-Star (2017-18).
Collegiately, Gainey played four seasons at Appalachian State (2008-11) with 168 tackles, 59 pass breakups, and five interceptions in 53 games for the Mountaineers. He is a two-time Second Team All-SoCon (2009-10).
