On Tuesday, the Edmonton Elks officially released quarterback Taylor Cornelius. Cornelius is now a free agent and should get a look in free agency.
He will have options, including possibly going to the UFL, the newly merged league between the XFL and USFL. However, that might be difficult for him as the league cut its teams from 16 to 8. Cornelius’s best option is to stay in the CFL.
Taylor Cornelius is six foot five and weighs 230 pounds. The 28-year-old from Amarillo, Texas, completed 103 of 175 passes (59%) for 1,305 yards, five touchdowns, nine interceptions, 61 carries for 256 yards, and eight touchdowns in seven games for the Elks in 2023.
The Elks signed Cornelius on February 9, 2021. He played three seasons in Edmonton completing 451 of 779 passes (58%) for 5,868 yards, 25 touchdowns, 31 interceptions, 153 carries for 907 yards, and 16 touchdowns in 44 games, of which 27 were starts.
Before Edmonton, Cornelius signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2019. In 2020, he played for the Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL) completing 78 of 123 (63.4%) for 858 yards, four touchdowns, and six interceptions in five games before the season ended due to the pandemic.
Collegiately, Cornelius played five seasons at Oklahoma State (2014-18) completing 303 for 509 (60%) for 4,198 yards, 32 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 139 carries for 514 yards, and 12 touchdowns in 21 games for the Cowboys.
Cornelius is tall and he might have a chance to compete for another starting job if he signs with Calgary, Saskatchewan, Ottawa, and Hamilton. However, what if Cornelius is up to being a backup quarterback, especially for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers?
The Blue Bombers are set to lose quarterback Dru Brown in free agency. He will be the most sought-after quarterback next month. In addition, Dakota Prukop will also be a free agent and he might draw some interest. Last year, Prukop signed with the New Jersey Generals (USFL) before returning to the Blue Bombers. There is a chance he could still re-sign with the team.
Cornelius can learn for Collaros and I think he would help him become a better quarterback. Last year, Cornelius had a memorable interception against Hamilton in Week 6 when he should’ve taken the sack. He eventually lost his starting job to Tre Ford.
Cornelius would be a viable backup quarterback option for Winnipeg especially on short down yardages. Furthermore, if Winnipeg is blowing teams out, Cornelius can get playing time and work on his game. He will have some weapons on the field and if he does well, he will have a chance to compete for another starting job somewhere else in 2025 whether that be the CFL or the UFL.
Do you think the Winnipeg Blue Bombers should sign Taylor Cornelius? Leave a comment below.
