The Edmonton Elks signed defensive lineman Keonte Schad on Friday according to the CFL Transactions page.
Keonte Schad is six foot two and weighs 284 pounds. The 26-year-old from Madison, Wisconsin, re-signed with the Michigan Panthers on August 29, 2024. He attended training camp and was released on March 20, 2025.
The Orlando Guardians drafted Schad in the fourth round (25th pick) in Phase 3 of the 2023 XFL Draft. He played for the Orlando Guardians (XFL) in 2023 making two tackles (2 assists) in four games. Next, the New Orleans Breakers signed Schad on March 23, 2023. In 2023, he made 26 tackles (15 solos, 11 assists), nine tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks in ten games for the New Orleans Breakers in 2023.
The Houston Roughnecks drafted Schad in the 2024 UFL Dispersal Draft. In 2024, Schad made 19 tackles (7 solos, 12 assists), one tackle for loss, half a sack, and one forced fumble in 10 games. The Roughnecks released Schad on August 19, 2024. The Michigan Panthers claimed him off waivers on August 20, 2024.
He was released by the Panthers on August 21, 2024, and signed with the Green Bay Packers on August 22, 2024. He played one preseason game making one tackle (1 solo). The Packers released him on August 27, 2024.
Collegiately, Schad played two seasons at Ellsworth Community College (2017-18) with 71 tackles (43 solos, 28 assists), 19.5 tackles for loss, one sack, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 18 games for the Panthers. Next, he transferred to Minnesota (2019-20) with 29 tackles (12 solos, 17 assists) in 17 games for the Golden Gophers.
Then, Schad transferred to Oregon State in 2021 with 46 tackles (14 solos, 32 assists), six tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two pass breakups, and one fumble recovery in 13 games for the Beavers. He was named Phil Steele Fourth Team All-Pac 12 in 2021.
