Elks sign star WR Lewis, reportedly make him CFL's highest-paid non-QB

The Edmonton Elks reeled in the biggest prize of this year's CFL free-agency class, announcing the signing of star wide receiver Eugene Lewis on Tuesday.

Lewis signed a two-year contract worth $320,000 per season, which makes him the league's highest-paid non-quarterback, sources told Justin Dunk of 3DownNation.

"Eugene has elite ball skills and has shown great leadership the past few years as a top target in the CFL," Elks assistant general manager Geroy Simon said in a statement. "He'll not only lead us on the field but also off. He's the exact type of guy we need for their organization."

Lewis is coming off the best season of his career with the Montreal Alouettes, hauling in 91 receptions for 1,303 yards and 10 touchdowns en route to being named the East Division's Most Outstanding Player. The Oklahoma product has caught 276 passes for 4,347 yards and 28 touchdowns over his five CFL seasons, all with Montreal.

The 29-year-old announced his departure from the Alouettes in a tweet Tuesday morning.

Despite an apparent desire to remain in Montreal, the native of Norristown, Pennsylvania, went to free agency after negotiations with the Alouettes broke down in January. The Als have been dealing with ownership issues, which led to the CFL taking control of the team Tuesday.

In Edmonton, Lewis instantly slots in as the Elks' No. 1 receiver, joining a talented group of wideouts that already featured youngster Dillon Mitchell and veteran Emmanuel Arceneaux. He isn't the only free-agent wideout who joined Edmonton on Tuesday; the team also announced the signings of receiver/return specialist Kyran Moore and 2022 East All-Star Steven Dunbar Jr.

The Elks have won just seven games since their last postseason appearance in 2019 and have lost a CFL-record 17 consecutive home contests.