EDMONTON — The Edmonton Elks announce on Tuesday that they have signed National defensive back Josh Hagerty and American defensive lineman DeMarcus Christmas.
Christmas joins the Green and Gold after spending the last two seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2022-2023). In 30 regular season games, he totalled 42 defensive tackles and two sacks. The six-foot-three lineman was selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks, spending time with Seahawks (2019-20) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2020-21).
Collegiately, Christmas played five seasons at Florida State University (2014-18). In his senior year, the Florida native earned All-ACC Third Team honours and was named the team’s Most Valuable Defensive Lineman.
Hagerty returns to Edmonton after being released by the Elks on July 7. The veteran defensive back appeared in three games for Edmonton this season, recording one special teams tackle. Prior to joining the Double E, the Regina product appeared in 31 games over three CFL seasons (2021-2023) with the Argos and was a part of their 2022 Grey Cup championship team.
Additionally, the Elks have released Americans Robert Nkemdiche (DL) and Kyle Cass (DB).
Nkemdiche suited up in four games for the Elks this season, where he had seven tackles and two sacks. Cass did not see any game action for the Elks.
The Elks return to action on Sunday, July 28 when they host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Commonwealth Stadium. Game time is 7:00 p.m. ET.
