January 3rd, 2023: "DeVonte Dedmon returns to REDBLACKS for two more years"

Thought this might be the first of a number of signings but things dried up after this one. No big deal, if you're going to announce one re-signing all week, this is a good one.

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS are bringing back receiver and return specialist DeVonte Dedmon for two more years, the club announced Tuesday. 

"There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. This is home," said Dedmon. "I’m excited to be back with my teammates and to have the opportunity to learn from this great coaching staff. I believe in this group. This is my family."

Dedmon, 26, broke out with Ottawa during the 2021 season, following a standout rookie campaign in 2019. He totaled 2,841 return yards, and with three touchdowns, became the fastest player in CFL history to record five return touchdowns in his career. For his efforts, Dedmon was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player, along with earning CFL All-Star honours. He rejoined the REDBLACKS during the 2022 season after pursuing an NFL opportunity with the Miami Dolphins. 

In 22 career CFL games, Dedmon has returned 83 punts for 1,250 yards and three touchdowns, along with 73 kick returns for 1,947 yards and two touchdowns. Offensively, Dedmon has caught 23 of 26 passes for 219 yards, 148 of those coming after the catch. 

I wonder now if the slower pace means the team is comfortable lettings most of the remaining 20-something free agents walk, or at least test free agency next month. There are still a couple of free-agents-to-be I'd like to see return (Lorenzo Mauldin IV is an obvious one) but a team that goes winless at home and has 10 wins over three seasons needs some change.