Redblacks Signings for the Week of Dec. 12th to 16th

Another busy week for the REDBLACKS FO. The team announced signings every day this past week with the exception of Wednesday when the 2023 schedule was released. Let's get going:

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS re-signed a pair of Canadians, today, with defensive back Justin Howell, and defensive lineman Nigel Romick rejoining the team for the 2023 CFL season.

"Choosing to re-sign in Ottawa for 2023 was a no-brainer for me. I am fortunate to have spent five years here since being drafted in 2018," said Howell. "We’ve got a great group of core guys, led by a tremendous coaching staff. My sole focus is on helping this team bring a Grey Cup back to the capital. I can’t wait to get back to TD Place, and play in front of the best fans in the CFL."

Howell, 29, has spent all four seasons of his career with the REDBLACKS, after a standout university tenure with the Carleton Ravens. The Bradford, Ontario native was limited by injury to just five games in 2022, but still came through with 16 total tackles, and a pair of forced fumbles.

"I’m ecstatic to be staying put in Ottawa for my ninth season," Romick added. "As I look to the 2023 season, I expect lots of fireworks, and plenty of wood cookies being cut. I’ve been fortunate to play for Coach Dyce since 2016, so I know the type of energy and leadership he brings to the locker room."

Romick, 31, is a veteran of eight seasons, and reached the 100-game milestone in 2022, all of which he has spent with the REDBLACKS. Though he appeared in just nine games due to injury, this season, the Thunder Bay, Ontario product chipped in nine total tackles, and is just one shy of 100 special teams tackles on his career.

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have re-signed national running back Jackson Bennett to a two-year contract.

“I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity," said Bennett. "Ottawa has been home for a very long time, and holds a special place in my heart. To suit up again for the city that raised me is nothing but a blessing.”

Bennett, 26, arrived to the REDBLACKS in 2022, after spending the first three seasons of his CFL career with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. In 14 games, the Cumberland, Ontario native rushed for a career-high 234 yards on 50 attempts, and hauled in 15 catches for 86 yards. Bennett also contributed in the return game, racking up 160 yards on eight kick returns. 

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have re-signed American offensive lineman Dino Boyd to a two-year contract, the team announced today.

Boyd, 26, joined the REDBLACKS in 2021, and appeared in 15 games during the 2022 season. Playing multiple positions on the Ottawa offensive line, the 6'4 300 lbs Newark, New Jersey native was a critical component of the REDBLACKS' front five. Boyd began his CFL career with Ottawa in 2021, suiting up for three games. 

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have re-signed national receiver Nate Behar to a two-year contract.

“I’m committed to this organization, this city and RNation. I’m committed to the vision of Coach Dyce and Burkey,” Behar said. “Getting this contract figured out for two more years of playing in the Capital is the best Holiday present I’ve ever had! Let’s build this thing!

Behar, 28, has spent the last three seasons with the REDBLACKS, and enjoyed the most productive year of his career in 2022. Through 13 games, the London, Ontario native hauled in 59 receptions for 727 yards, and a pair of touchdowns, to go with 254 yards after the catch.

A product of Carleton University, Behar was drafted fifth overall by the Edmonton Elks in 2017, before returning to Ottawa in 2019. 

Another player was signed during the week but as-yet-unannounced in defensive tackle Bryce Rodgers.  Being a league entry contract, I believe those are normally for two years as well.

Here's some information about him from a press release issued by his school, UC Davis, shortly after he signed a deal with the Atlanta Falcons following the NFL draft. 

A mainstay on UC Davis' defensive line, Rodgers was a model of consistency in leading the Aggies' push into the backfield each week in 2021. He led UC Davis in quarterback hurries with eight and added eight tackles for losses, 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a blocked kick. For his effort in the 2021 campaign the East Palo Alto, Calif., native was tabbed to the All-Big Sky second team.

Rodgers led all Aggie defensive linemen with 18 tackles (8 solos, 10 assists) while adding 2.0 TFLs (both sacks), two QB hurries, a forced fumble, and a blocked kick in the 2021 spring season. In 2019, the 6-3 lineman was named All-Big Sky honorable mention after starting all 12 games at defensive tackle. He ranked fifth on the team and tops among defensive linemen with 49 tackles (35 solos, 14 assists). Rodgers also had 6.0 TFLs, including 4.0 sacks for 20 yards and added a pass breakup, a fumble recovery and team-leading seven hurries.