Former New England Patriot Pene added to CFL’s 2026 Global list

By Canadian Press on January 22, 2026.

TORONTO — Defensive lineman Wilfried Pene will now try his hand at playing professional football in Canada.

A CFL spokesman confirmed Thursday that the former New England Patriot is on the league’s 2026 Global list, making him eligible for this year’s draft.

The six-foot-three, 283-pound Pene — whose full name is pronounced will-uh-fred PEN’-aye — could also work out at the CFL’s national combine in Edmonton from March 27-29 if his international paperwork is in order.

Pene, 25, of Tours, France, played collegiately at Virginia Tech, both as a tight end and defensive lineman. He appeared in 34 games for the Hokies, registering 73 total tackles (nine for loss) with five sacks.

In 2024, Pene recorded 33 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He joined the Patriots in 2025 as an undrafted free agent and, after attending rookie camp, signed an NFL contract with New England.

However, the Patriots were forced to release Pene after his international visa, which he obtained while playing at Virginia Tech, expired and he wasn’t able to remain in the United States.

Pene was a two-time All-New England selection in high school and in 2019 helped the St. Thomas More Prep Chancellors post a 7-1 record as a tight end and defensive lineman. He registered eight catches for 183 yards with four TDs on offence while posting 47 tackles (11 for loss), 15.5 sacks and three forced fumbles along with blocked punt.

Pene also was on the school’s wrestling team, finishing seventh in New England in his first season competing in that sport. St. Thomas More Prep is based in Oakdale, Conn.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan, 22, 2026.

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press