From Vegas to the CFL? Raiders Players on Canada’s Radar

NFL Meets CFL: The Raiders’ Underrated Talent Making Headlines North of the Border

If you're a fan who follows both the NFL and the CFL, there's something fascinating happening behind the scenes—and it's all about the negotiation lists. Every CFL team has a little-known but hugely strategic weapon in its arsenal: a 45-player negotiating list filled with unsigned players, college stars, and even guys currently grinding it out in the NFL. These lists are packed with potential, and every once in a while, you’ll spot a few names that make you do a double take—especially if you're a Raiders fan.

That latest list drop from the CFL? Oh boy—it includes three names currently tied to the Las Vegas Raiders. And no, we’re not talking benchwarmers. We’re talking about players who’ve either just been drafted or are actively taking snaps at training camp in Sin City.

Let’s break it down, scout-style:

🔥 1. Tommy Mellott – A QB Turned WR with a Dual-Country Future?

• CFL Team: Calgary Stampede

• Raiders Role: Drafted as WR (6th Round, 2025 NFL Draft)

• College: Montana State (Quarterback)

Tommy Mellott might just be the ultimate wildcard in this whole situation. He lit it up at Montana State playing quarterback, showing off serious versatility, toughness, and leadership. The Raiders snagged him in the sixth round of this year’s draft—not to play quarterback, though. They see him as a wide receiver in their system, a move that raised eyebrows but also made sense given his athletic profile.

But guess what? The Calgary Stampede of the CFL still have him listed at quarterback.

Now, is that because they’re just using his college designation? Maybe. But don’t rule out the possibility that the Stampede want to test Mellott under center themselves. Canadian football favors mobile QBs who can create out of chaos, and Mellott’s a perfect prototype.

This guy could easily be one of those rare players who has a shot at dual-league relevance. If the wide receiver experiment doesn’t stick in Vegas, there’s already a team in Calgary dreaming about what he could be back at QB.

🚀 2. Carter Bradley – A True Gunslinger Gunning for Two Leagues

• CFL Team: Edmonton Elks

• Raiders Role: Competing at QB in camp

• Background: Second straight year in Raiders training camp

Let’s talk about the real quarterback in this group: Carter Bradley. This dude is quietly carving out a name for himself. It’s his second summer with the Raiders, and despite new faces in the QB room—hello Geno Smith (the newly minted starter) and what’s up Cam Miller (drafted just after Mellott)—Bradley’s still in the mix.

He’s not just filling a roster spot; he’s competing. That matters.

Bradley’s game? He’s got that classic pocket presence but can move if needed. Think of him as a gritty play-caller with a solid football IQ. The Edmonton Elks seem to think highly of him too. They’ve staked their negotiation rights, hoping that if things don’t pan out in the NFL, he might bring his talent north. Edmonton has struggled at the QB position recently, and Bradley could be the spark they need.

It’s not out of the question that we see him slinging it on a cold night in Alberta, leading the Elks offense with poise and fire.

📈 3. Ketron Jackson Jr. – The Deep Threat with a Backup Plan

• CFL Team: Saskatchewan Roughriders

• Raiders Role: Undrafted free agent WR

• College: Baylor

Keep your eyes on Ketron Jackson Jr. This guy’s got serious burner potential. After wrapping up his college career at Baylor, Jackson didn’t get his name called during the draft, but the Raiders didn’t waste time signing him as a UDFA. They know talent when they see it.

He’s not a household name—yet. But he’s been turning heads in rookie minicamp with his explosiveness and route running. Still, it’s a tough WR room in Vegas. If he doesn’t make the 53-man roster or even the practice squad, the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders are already in line for his services.

And here’s the thing: the Roughriders LOVE vertical threats. Their offensive scheme thrives on stretching the field, and Jackson fits the bill perfectly.

So whether it’s hauling in passes from Aidan O’Connell or a Canadian quarterback like Trevor Harris, Jackson is positioning himself to play professional football one way or another.

✍️ Why CFL Negotiation Lists Actually Matter

For the casual NFL fan, CFL negotiation lists might seem irrelevant. But make no mistake—they are a strategic lifeline for CFL teams and an insurance policy for players. These lists are essentially rights-of-first-refusal. If a player on the list decides to head to Canada, only that specific CFL team can negotiate with them.

And for the players? It’s a safety net. If things don’t go their way in the States, the CFL gives them a shot to keep playing, developing, and earning a paycheck doing what they love.

🎯 Quick Takeaways for Raider Nation

• Tommy Mellott could go from wide receiver in Vegas to quarterback in Calgary—don’t sleep on that versatility.

• Carter Bradley is fighting hard for a roster spot and might be an Elks starter one day if the NFL door closes.

• Ketron Jackson Jr. might become a breakout CFL star if he doesn’t land in Vegas—speed always has value.

📣 Final Thoughts: The North is Watching

It’s not every day that three players from one NFL organization show up on CFL negotiation lists at the same time. That speaks to the Raiders’ depth and scouting acumen—but it also highlights how interconnected the football world has become.

For fans of gridiron action on both sides of the border, this is the fun part: seeing where talent ends up, how it develops, and who makes the leap. One league’s camp cut might just become another league’s star.

Keep an eye on Mellott, Bradley, and Jackson. Whether it’s desert heat or Canadian cold, these guys are ready to ball.