The Calgary Stampeders are aiming for bigger and better results from their special-teams units in the 2026 Canadian Football League season. General Manager and Head Coach Dave Dickenson has prioritized upgrading the return and coverage teams through strategic signings and draft picks, rather than relying on players primarily designated for offense or defense.
Key Acquisitions and Draft Picks
Return specialist Tyreik McAllister, a prized offseason addition, joins the squad alongside 2026 draftees Jesulayomi Ojutalayo and Tristan Marois. These players were specifically targeted for their special-teams readiness. Ojutalayo, for instance, will focus on kickoff coverage early in the season.
“We had speed and aggressiveness,” said Dickenson. “But what we were trying to do is just get bigger, and I think we have got a nice lineup where that’s concerned now. Usually bigger means you’re not maybe quite as fast. But I think just in a one-on-one matchup probably with special teams, that’s where bigger helps us.”
Projected Starters and Changes
The projected key special-teams talents include kicker René Paredes (with Jude McAtamney as injury replacement), punter Mark Vassett, long-snapper Jason MacGougan, and returners Tyreik McAllister and Erik Brooks. Notable additions are McAtamney and McAllister, while Kaylon Horton and long-snapper Aaron Crawford are no longer with the team.
Questions Surrounding René Paredes
Veteran kicker René Paredes has been sidelined with a groin injury, missing much of training camp and raising questions about his availability for the season opener against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. At 41, Paredes has little left to prove, but his status remains uncertain.
“And our return game now, you really don’t know until you see it live — like will our guys run through the smoke?” continued Dickenson. “What I mean by that is you’ve got a lot of people coming after you, so can you find a crease and just hit it? I think our guys have shown that courage and have done a nice job in camp.”
The Stampeders open the season Friday at McMahon Stadium against the Blue Bombers, with special teams playing a crucial role in their Grey Cup aspirations.
