While hockey might be Canada’s game, fans north of the border are also big football fans, and with no disrespect to the Ottawa Redblacks, it is the NFL brand that dominates most Canadian households. With a growing number of Canadian talents playing in the NFL, especially Ontario-born players, the province has become somewhat of a pipeline for NFL talent.
We aren’t just talking about players making the roster, but ones who are signing massive contracts and making an impact on their teams. From the defensive trenches to the open field, these athletes are changing the market dynamics of how scouts evaluate Canadian prospects.
Whether you are looking to add an underdog to your fantasy roster or just want to follow some of the most talented players in the league, these five Ontario natives have defied the odds and represent the best of what Canada has to offer the NFL for the upcoming season.
Alaric Jackson – Los Angeles Rams
Weighing in at 6’7”, 345lbs, Windsor native Alaric Jackson has transformed himself from an undrafted free agent rookie into one of the league’s premier offensive tackles. Growing up north of the border, Jackson spent the summers in Detroit, Michigan, with his father, eventually moving south to attend high school.
Although he was selected 15th overall in the 2021 CFL Draft, Jackson signed as a free agent with the Rams following his four-year tenure with the Iowa Hawkeyes, which included three All-Big Ten honors. After a slow start to his NFL career, playing just four games in his rookie season, a year in which he helped the team capture its second Super Bowl ring, Jackson quickly proved himself to earn six starts his second year before becoming a full-time starter for the Rams.
Given the responsibility of protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford’s blindside, Jackson was rewarded with a massive three-year $56.3 million contract extension this summer.
Chase Brown – Cincinnati Bengals
Drafted 163rd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, the London, Ontario native went on to earn ten starts in his second year and is now primed for an even bigger season as the Bengals’ started running back. “I believe Chase Brown is a top 10 back in the league”, Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher stated.
Finishing last season with 990 rushing yards, 54 catches for 360 yards, and eleven total touchdowns, Brown had one of the most prolific seasons in NFL history for a Canadian running back. With production numbers like these, it’s no wonder that fans are checking the best betting sites for NFL props with #30 in mind.
Although the Bengals are a pass-heavy team, Brown’s skillset and abilities make him a dual-threat out of the backfield, giving quarterback Joe Burrow another valuable target.
Sydney Brown – Philadelphia Eagles
Holiday gatherings at the Brown family house must be interesting. With his twin brother, Chase, suiting up on offense for the Bengals, Sydney’s job is on the other side of the field as a safety for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Drafted two rounds earlier, Brown earned six starts in fourteen games during his rookie season, but would unfortunately see his season come to an early end when he tore his ACL towards the end of the season. Bouncing back last year, Brown showed flashes of what made him worthy of a third-round pick, helping the Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.
With a high football IQ and equally as high work ethic, Brown is primed to remain a key piece of the Eagles’ defensive unit for years to come.
Michael Hoecht – Buffalo Bills
A native of Oakville, Ontario, Michael Hoecht inked a three-year / $21 million deal with the Buffalo Bills this spring after spending his first four years as a member of the Los Angeles Rams.
Undrafted following his four collegiate seasons with the Brown Bears, Hoecht signed a free agent deal with the Rams, but did not advance any further than the practice squad. A year later, Hoecht helped the team defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.
While Hoecht will be suspended for the first six games this season due to violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy, the Bills believe that the defensive tackle can be a big part of their playbook going forward. In his 68 regular-season games with the Rams, Hoecht recorded 180 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, 4 pass knockdowns, and a pair of forced fumbles. With his ability to rush the passer as well as cover space as a combo defensive end and linebacker, Hoecht has a bright future with the Bills.
Josh Palmer – Buffalo Bills
As excited as the Bills are to add Hoecht on defense, they are equally as hyped to add Brampton, Ontario native Josh Palmer to their offensive unit. Following Hoecht out of Los Angeles, where he played for the Chargers, Palmer signed a three-year / $29 million deal after playing four years on the West Coast.
At just 25 years old, Palmer has proven to be an offensive threat, catching 182 passes for 2,287 yards and 10 touchdowns in 58 regular-season games.
After establishing himself as a reliable target for Justin Herbert, with his route-running precision and ability to create separation, Palmer now gets the opportunity to be one of the Bills’ top two targets for Josh Allen as part of one of the AFC’s most explosive offenses.
