Stampeders bring back former No. 1 pick Damien Alford, add Lance Boykin

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders are bringing back one of the CFL’s most promising young Canadian receivers.



Calgary announced Wednesday it has signed Damien Alford, the first overall selection in the 2025 CFL draft, along with U.S. defensive back Lance Boykin.



Alford returns after spending the offseason with the NFL’s New Orleans Saints. He signed with the Saints on Jan. 7 before being waived June 17.



“We have been tracking Damien since he was released in the NFL,” general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson said. “He is a special talent.”



The 6-foot-6, 226-pound receiver made an immediate impact during his rookie season in Calgary. Alford recorded 20 receptions for 407 yards and five touchdowns across 15 regular-season games, including six starts.



His 20.4 yards per reception highlighted the vertical threat he provided Calgary’s offence. Alford also started in the Western Semi-Final.



The Montreal native played four seasons at Syracuse, finishing with 67 receptions for 1,291 yards and seven touchdowns in 42 games. He transferred to Utah and appeared in four games during the 2024 season.



Boykin joins Calgary after stops in the NFL and United Football League.



The 6-foot-2, 207-pound defensive back appeared in one regular-season game for the Seattle Seahawks in 2023. He later played 19 games with the Memphis Showboats and Birmingham Stallions.



Boykin completed his collegiate career at Coastal Carolina, where he registered 85 tackles, 15 passes defended, three interceptions, two sacks and one forced fumble over two seasons. He earned second-team All-Sun Belt honours and was voted a team captain in his final season.



Separately, Calgary’s injury report from Tuesday listed receiver Reggie Begelton, defensive lineman Tristan Marois and kicker Rene Paredes as limited participants. Defensive back Derrick Moncrief did not participate, while defensive back Jaydon Grant was a full participant.