Top 5 CFL Players Taking the Field for the NFL in 2022

By Pat Rifino

With the CFL season in full swing and the NFL pre-season winding down, constant reminders of alternative leagues will continue to pop up. With the USFL completing their season and the NFL signing almost 50 of their former players, people often forget that for years the alternative league of choice was always the Canadian Football League. The CFL has a long history of transitioning talented players to the NFL and this year will be sending a steady diet of CFL alumni to NFL camps. Below are the Top-5 former CFL players going into the NFL for 2022 (*author’s note, this article was written on 8/16/22)

Alex Singleton

Singleton came on the scene with the Calgary Stampeders winning a Grey Cup and the Most Outstanding Defensive Player award in 2017. In 2019 he would transition to the NFL joining the Eagles until 2021. While with the Eagles Singleton would become a stalwart linebacker for the team, being in the top-5 in tackles for their defense He would total 137 tackles in 2021 and now looks to be a critical piece for the Denver Broncos going into 2022.

Erik Harris

Harris went undrafted in 2013 by the NFL and signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Harris spent 3 seasons there, where he played linebacker, and moved to the NFL where he converted to the free safety position. Through injuries, Harris would begin to see the field after being signed by the Raiders where became a bonafide starter. In 2021, Harris would sign with the Atlanta Falcons, and enters 2022 as a critical piece in the Falcons rebuild under Arthur Smith.

TeVaughn Campbell

He attended the University of Regina in Saskatchewan and then spent several years in the CFL. After stints with the Stampeders, Roughriders, and Alouettes, Campbell made his way to the NFL in 2019. After serving on the Practice Squads of the Jets and then Chargers for a full season, Campbell finally got to make his mark in 2020. For the past two seasons, Campbell has been a reliable depth player for the Chargers, starting 11 games over the past two seasons.

Brandon Zylstra

Zylstra was a 2017 CFL All-Star, during his two-year stint in Edmonton. With 134 receptions, 2,195 yards, and 8 touchdowns, it was no surprise when the NFL realized the talent of the Concordia College Star. Zylstra had a one-year stop with the Minnesota Vikings, before catching on with the Carolina Panthers. Zylstra has played there for the past three seasons, primarily on special teams, while occasionally contributing offensively. His brother Shane Zylstra is also in the NFL with the Lions after being cut by the Vikings.

DeAundre Alford 

Alford entered professional football when training camp, mini-camp workouts, and OTA’s were in flux. After completing his senior season at Tusculum College in Tennessee Alford would be passed over by the NFL, and signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Alford sat out the 2020 season as with everyone in the CFL. Alford came into 2021 for the Blue Bombers a dominating force. In addition to becoming a CFL All-Star, Alford was a part of a championship team. In 2022, Alford would sign with the Atlanta Falcons and where he is suspected to make the 53-man roster.