February 21st, 2023: "REDBLACKS hire Jykine Bradley to coach defensive backs"

This came as a mild surprise. Following Alex Suber's departure, I assumed DB coaching duties would be managed by defensive coordinator Barron Miles but evidently they preferred to have someone dedicated to that specific position.   

The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that former CFLer Jykine Bradley has been hired as the team's Defensive Backs Coach heading into the 2023 season.

"We are very pleased to have Coach Bradley joining our staff as the Defensive Backs Coach," said REDBLACKS Head Coach Bob Dyce. "His breadth of CFL playing and coaching experience will be a definite asset to our coaching staff." 

Hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee, Bradley was most recently the defensive backs coach for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, in 2022: his first foray into the CFL coaching ranks. The 42-year-old previously coached the defensive backs at Northwood University (Division II NCAA) in 2021, and was the wide receivers coach of the Waterloo Warriors (U Sports) from 2017 to 2019. 

As a player, Bradley spent his collegiate career with Middle Tennessee, before a stint with the Buffalo Bills in 2004. He then moved on to Hamilton, where he suited up from 2004 to 2010, and finished his CFL career with Edmonton in 2011.

I choose to see this as a good sign. The team often states that they have all the tools to succeed including the money to spend and the willingness to spend it to improve the club. They could have given the DBs over to Miles or transferred responsibilities around between coaches but they added a salary instead. 

I have no idea what kind of coach Bradley is, but we can at least appreciate that they used the resources available to them and avoided cutting corners.  For a team that gave every indication of going cheap from 2019 to 2021 and still has some work to do to shed that perception, it's a step in the right direction, in my view.

February 17th, 2023: Free Agency, Day 4

The team was still adding bodies four days into FA. Much like the previous day, one was a new face, the other a familiar one.

The Ottawa REDBLACKS have signed National receiver Lemar Durant to a one-year contract, the team announced today.

Durant, 30, has suited up in seven CFL seasons, most recently with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2022. He appeared in 11 games, hauling in 12 passes for 112 yards, and a touchdown.

A native of Vancouver, BC, Durant was drafted in the second round, 18th overall, by the Calgary Stampeders in 2015. He spent four seasons in Calgary, highlighted by a Grey Cup victory in 2018, in which he earned Most Outstanding Canadian honours for the championship game. He then spent two seasons with the BC Lions, before moving on to Hamilton.

Through 85 career CFL games, Durant has caught 195 passes for 2,465 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns, to go with 67 rushing yards on nine carries.

The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have re-signed American defensive back Sherrod Baltimore through the 2023 CFL season.

Baltimore, 30, heads into his sixth CFL season, all of which have been played with the REDBLACKS. The Fort Washington, Maryland native appeared in 13 games during the 2022 campaign, tallying 22 defensive tackles, as well as eight pass knockdowns: the fifth-highest total in the league. 

A product of the Maine Black Bears program, Baltimore has become a fan favourite in Ottawa, through 60 career games. He arrived to the REDBLACKS in 2017, putting together a debut season that earned him a Most Outstanding Rookie nomination from the team, and has gone on to record 136 total tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.

We need to celebrate having the fifth highest pass knockdown total in the league because Baltimore hasn't recorded an interception since the end of the 2018 season. He's played in 34 games since the start of 2019. 

I know that statistic isn't completely indicative of level of play and one can't make too much of it.  I also get that Baltimore is a community guy and well-liked.

It doesn't seem like there was much interest in him in this free agency period yet here he is again. We appear to be the only team to sign him over and over...

I can't shake the perception that some guys are retained longer than they should be because it's a popular thing to do for the locker room. GM Shawn Burke swears there'll be competition and that jobs won't be handed out. I'll believe it when a popular but unspectacular player like Baltimore is shown the bench so someone else can be given the chance to shine.

Baltimore was the 49th player from the 2022 squad to be retained, and the 20th from the 2021 edition. You probably don't need a reminder that the team has won seven games during that period and lost 25. When the team talked about having "building blocks" in place, I didn't think they meant 49 of them.

February 16th, 2023: Free Agency Day 3

Just a couple of signings to announce from this day, one new face and one returning one.

The Ottawa REDBLACKS have signed National running back Ante Milanovic-Litre to a one-year contract, the team announced today.

Milanovic-Litre, 28, spent the 2022 campaign with the Edmonton Elks, after four seasons with the Calgary Stampeders. The Vancouver, British Columbia native appeared in all 18 games, notching 241 rushing yards, and a touchdown, as well as 89 receiving yards.

Drafted 28th overall by Calgary in 2017, Milanovic-Litre was a member of the Stampeders team that captured the Grey Cup in 2018. Through 73 career games, he has racked up 592 rushing yards, and three touchdowns, to go with 319 receiving yards.

Litre was an odd deal because the Edmonton Elks had signed him to an extension in January only to release him on February 13th. Not sure what that was about.

The next gentleman hardly needs introduction...  

The Ottawa REDBLACKS have re-signed American defensive back, and former CFL All-Star Abdul Kanneh to a one-year contract, the team announced today.

Kanneh, 32, is a veteran of eight CFL seasons, five of which have been with the REDBLACKS, in two separate stints. Injury limited him to 12 games in 2022, but Kanneh was still a contributing factor on a stout Ottawa defence; posting 37 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. 

Born in London, England, Kanneh earned a CFL All-Star nod in 2015, and CFL East All-Star honours following the 2016 season, in which he helped the REDBLACKS to their first Grey Cup victory. He has also spent time with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Toronto Argonauts.

Full disclosure, I thought that bringing in Cariel Brooks and re-signing Damon Webb meant the end for Kanneh, at least in Ottawa.

The team also quietly added Darius Williams last October, who played defensive back for Montreal in 2022. He'll be 25 in August and already has 24 games under his belt. I look forward to seeing what he can contribute. 

February 15th, 2023: "REDBLACKS re-sign National offensive lineman Hunter Steward"

The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have re-signed National offensive lineman Hunter Steward through the 2023 CFL season.

Steward, 31, spent last season with the REDBLACKS, after having been with the BC Lions since 2014. The Calgary, Alberta product suited up in all 18 games, and was a key fixture on a retooled, and improved Ottawa offensive line. He played his 100th CFL game in Week 14, at home against the Toronto Argonauts.

Playing his collegiate career with the Liberty Flames, the 6’6 315 lbs Steward was selected sixth overall by the Lions in 2013, and officially began his CFL career the following season.

February 14th, 2023: Free Agency, Day 1

Free agency began at noon Eastern on February 14th. The press release to announce their first acquisition was issued at 13:14.

The Ottawa REDBLACKS have signed American offensive lineman Terran Vaughn to a one-year deal, the team announced today.

Vaughn, 28, has been with the Saskatchewan Roughriders since 2018, and returned to the lineup this season, after missing the 2021 campaign due to injury. The 6’3 305lbs native of Beaumont, Texas, lined up at tackle, and suited up in 10 games during the 2022 season.

Playing his collegiate football at Stephen F. Austin, Vaughn appeared in 46 games, starting in 38, and earned an Honourable Mention All-Southland Conference nod in 2014.

There will a theme among some of the signees, particularly those who previously played for Saskatchewan, of productivity being affected by injury. If Vaughn can stay healthy, he could turn into a solid pick-up. It might be worthwhile to note that he was active for 15 games in 2019.   

The Ottawa REDBLACKS made a splash in free agency, today, signing All-Star American linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox to a two-year deal.

Santos-Knox, 28, has spent the last two seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, after stints with the Edmonton Elks, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Waterbury, Connecticut product appeared in 17 games during the 2022 campaign, finishing third in the CFL with 105 total tackles. He also recorded a sack, and earned CFL East All-Star honours, following the season's conclusion.

"I'm extremely excited to call the Nation's Capital my new home and play in front of the amazing fans of RNation!," said Santos-Knox. "After hearing the vision Shawn Burke has for this team and my talks with Coach Dyce, it felt right that this was the place to continue my career and pursuit of a Grey Cup. Can’t wait to throw on the red and black and get to work with the squad!"

After playing his collegiate football at UMass, Santos-Knox signed with the Blue Bombers in 2017, and spent two seasons with the team, before moving on to Edmonton in 2019. He opted out of his contract in August of 2020, and signed with the Ti-Cats on February 6, 2021. 

This one is bittersweet in that it led to the release of Avery Williams a few days earlier. No doubt Santos-Knox is a hell of a player but among the list of priorities for upgrades, this did not seem like it would be near the top. But who knows, maybe after a few games he'll make me realize that we could have been getting even more production from that position. 

Michael Wakefield is coming back to the Ottawa REDBLACKS, with the team announcing that they have signed the American defensive lineman to a one-year deal, today.

Wakefield, 29, played in the nation’s capital from 2017 to 2019, before moving on to the Montreal Alouettes. He suited up in 14 games during the 2022 season, recording 20 tackles, and three sacks.

The Valdosta, Georgia native has appeared in 67 CFL games, all told, posting 99 total tackles, 14 sacks, and an interception. 

After a collegiate career at Florida International from 2012 to 2015, Wakefield attended training camp with the now-Washington Commanders in 2016.

The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have signed American linebacker Gary Johnson Jr. to a one-year contract.

Johnson, 26, has appeared in the last three CFL seasons, all with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He appeared in six games, last season, recording five total tackles, and has posted 25 tackles, as well as a sack, in 14 career games.

A native of Douglas, Alabama, Johnson played his college football at the University of Texas, where he recorded 150 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles, through 26 appearances. 

The Ottawa REDBLACKS have signed American receiver Shaq Evans to a one-year contract, the team announced today.

Evans, 31, has spent four seasons in the CFL, all with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The Inglewood, California native suited up in 10 games during the 2022 campaign, hauling in 32 receptions, for 487 yards, and a pair of touchdowns.

In what has been a productive CFL career, Evans has appeared in 52 games with the Riders, making 179 receptions, for a total of 2,830 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns. He earned CFL All-Star honours following the 2019 season, after posting career-high’s across the board; including 1,334 receiving yards on 72 receptions, and five touchdowns.

A fourth-round, 115th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Evans also spent time with the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, and Dallas Cowboys, from 2014 to 2017.

And so closed the Day 1 activities, 90 minutes or so later.  There wasn't a lot of flash to it; no big splash like a highly-productive WR along the lines of Geno Lewis or Jake Weineke, more of a low-risk, high-potential-reward approach for the most part.

Rumours of signing Hamilton DE Julian Howsare never came to fruition, though I believe that one just grew out of lazy assumption. He was being associated with his club's former co-GM in Shawn Burke. I don't recall coming across anything concrete to suggest he was ever coming to Ottawa.

We did see reports of the team agreeing to terms with another Hamilton player in running back Wes Hills, however upon the end of his contract Hills chose to sign with the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL instead.

February 14th, 2023: "REDBLACKS sign American defensive back Cariel Brooks"

This move actually took place a couple of hours prior to the start of the free agency period as Brooks had been released by Hamilton a few days prior. 

The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have signed free agent American defensive back Cariel Brooks to one-year contract.

Brooks, 31, is a veteran of five CFL seasons, all of which have been spent with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The Miami, Florida product suited up in 12 games during the 2022 season, recording 35 tackles, and six pass knockdowns. 

Across his career, Brooks has appeared in 70 CFL games, notching 207 total tackles, two sacks, 12 interceptions, and four forced fumbles, helping the Ti-Cats to Grey Cup appearances in 2019, and 2021. He was named a CFL East All-Star in 2018, and a CFL All-Star in 2021. 

Upon graduating from the Adams State program, Brooks signed with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2015, before moving on to the Toronto Argonauts practice squad in 2017, and eventually to Hamilton, that season.

I continue to appreciate that General Manager Shawn Burke is not intimidated by a player's age. It doesn't always work out; he signed one or two players last year that were clearly past their best-before date. Brooks will be 32 before camp starts but having been named an Eastern All-Star as recently as the 2021, hopefully still has a little gas in the tank.

February 9th, 2023: "Original REDBLACK Antoine Pruneau announces retirement"

PRESS RELEASE - Original Ottawa REDBLACK Antoine Pruneau is calling it a career, today, announcing his retirement after a decorated eight-season CFL career.

"Antoine Pruneau is synonymous with REDBLACKS football," said Head Coach Bob Dyce. "The passion he brought to the field was unmatched. He took great pride in wearing the “R” and it was evident in his leadership and play. I know he will bring the same energy to the next chapter of his career. We thank him and wish he and his family nothing but the best."

A product of Laval, Québec, Pruneau played his collegiate football at the University of Montreal, before being drafted fourth overall by the REDBLACKS in 2014. His rookie campaign saw him record 79 total tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble, earning CFL Rookie of the Month honours for October. He helped the REDBLACKS to Grey Cup appearances in 2015, and 2018, as well as their first championship victory in 2016.

"Antoine Pruneau has shown remarkable leadership and dedication to this organization which will be tough to replace," said REDBLACKS General Manager Shawn Burke. "We congratulate him on a job well done, a great career and wish him all the best in what comes next. He will always be a REDBLACK."

The 33-year-old Pruneau ends his CFL career as the REDBLACKS' all-time leader in games played (122), and total tackles (448), to go with 10 interceptions, four sacks, and four forced fumbles.

"Antoine personifies what it means to be a REDBLACK," said OSEG CEO Mark Goudie. "He left everything he had on the field, played through broken bones and helped bring a Grey Cup back to this city. But his contributions extended far beyond his play; he has been a leader in the community, the self-proclaimed leader of the French Mafia and a key piece in ushering along the next era of talented REDBLACKS players. Thank you, Antoine, on behalf of the REDBLACKS, OSEG and everyone who loves this game in Ottawa."

Away from the field, Pruneau long ago cemented his status as a fan favourite in the community. From working with local university football players, to guest coaching youth football, and acting as an all-around ambassador for the team in the Ottawa-Gatineau community, Pruneau's impact will remain an unforgettable part of REDBLACKS history. 

A statement from Antoine Pruneau:

"I had the best job in the world and I will forever be grateful to the people that accompanied me during this journey! 

To RNation: Thank you for your unconditional support throughout my career. Through the great moments and the tougher ones, you were incredible towards me and I will never forget this moment spent at your side. 

To my coaches: Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for the countless hours. Mostly, thank you for all the conversations that led me to be a better man. You were all great mentors! 

To my teammates: Thank you for being so inspirational. I am going to miss our time on the field but I'll miss the time away from the game with you all even more. FrenchMafia! Thank you for all the fun, all the jokes, all the wild times. Details on a succession plan to come. 

To my family and friends: I truly believe that I am surrounded by the best people. You have been by my side from the very beginning and the influence you have had on me has allowed me to live my dream for nine beautiful years. I love you."

REDBLACKS Re-signings, Week of Feb 6th to 10th.

Playing catch-up again. I admit that I find it difficult to maintain interest in this team these days so I've kind of let this slide. Seeing all the same faces resurface after yet another miserable reason is not spiking my excitement for 2023.

I do see the reasoning behind bringing back Arbuckle, however. His re-signing was a mild surprise as he's been seeking that elusive regular starting spot for some time now. I believe this confirms that he's now firmly involved in this team's "succession planning" at the position.

February 6th - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have signed American quarterback Nick Arbuckle to a one-year contract extension.

Arbuckle, 29, was acquired by the REDBLACKS via trade for the second time in his career, on July 11, 2022, from the Edmonton Elks. The Oxnard, California native suited up in 12 games for Ottawa, throwing for a career-high 2,400 yards on 308 pass attempts, along with four touchdowns, leading the REDBLACKS to three of their four wins in 2022. Arbuckle also rushed for 65 yards, and a pair of touchdowns on 12 carries.

"Nick is a five-year veteran of our league and we're pleased he and his family have decided to stay in Ottawa with the REDBLACKS," said General Manager Shawn Burke. "We're excited to head into the 2023 season with two quarterbacks with significant experience in the CFL game."

Arriving to the CFL by way of signing with the Calgary Stampeders in 2017, Arbuckle was dealt to the REDBLACKS in 2020, but following the COVID-cancelled season, moved on to the Toronto Argonauts. He was traded to Edmonton on October 26, 2021.

February 7th - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have re-signed American defensive lineman Praise Martin-Oguike through the 2023 CFL season, the team announced today.

Martin-Oguike, 29, appeared in his second CFL season in 2022, both of which have been with the REDBLACKS. A product of Abia State, Nigeria, who grew up in Woodbridge, New Jersey, Martin-Oguike was limited to nine games by injury, this season, but still recorded 12 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble.

Following stints with the NFL's Miami Dolphins, and Arizona Cardinals, as well as with the XFL's Seattle Dragons, and the Blues of The Spring League, Martin-Oguike signed with the REDBLACKS on June 4, 2021.

A Big Ol' Bunch of Redblacks Re-Signings!

The Drew Desjarlais signing was a big one but the team also brought back a number of players prior to it and since. We'll look at a few of those now.

January 23rd, 2023 - The Ottawa REDBLACKS...have re-signed national fullback Anthony Gosselin to a one-year deal.

“Hey RNation, I’m very excited to be back with the REDBLACKS,” said Gosselin. “I can't wait to get back on the field in front of our fans and get to work again with Coach Dyce and the rest of the team.”

Gosselin, 30, is heading into his sixth CFL season, all with the REDBLACKS. The Otterburn, Quebec native has long been a fixture in Ottawa's blocking schemes, as well as on Head Coach Bob Dyce's special teams units, recording 11 total tackles in 59 career games in the CFL. Gosselin has also notched 77 receiving yards on 13 career receptions.

The REDBLACKS selected Gosselin in the second round, 18th overall, in the 2017 CFL Draft.

January 27th, 2023 - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced the re-signing of American linebacker Frankie Griffin.

Griffin, 27, returned to the REDBLACKS for his second CFL season in 2022, suiting up in eight games, and recording a career high 35 total tackles. A native of Spring, Texas, Griffin first signed with Ottawa on January 28, 2021.

Linebacker Patrick Nelson was also included in this announcement. He had been released in mid-November, presumably to take a stab at a job in the States. He turned 26 in October, played in five games, notching three tackles on defense and two on special teams. 

January 31st, 2023 - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced today that they have re-signed American defensive back Money Hunter to a one-year contract.

Hunter, 27, was limited to 12 games in his first season with the REDBLACKS, but made the most of his time on the field. The Prosper, Texas native recorded 38 tackles, and a career high four interceptions, including two against the BC Lions in Week 4.

This was Hunter's fourth CFL season, first signing with Edmonton on February 6, 2018, and spending the 2018 and 2019 seasons there. The product of Arkansas State moved on to the Montreal Alouettes for the 2021 campaign, earning East All-Star honours, and joined the REDBLACKS via free agency on February 9, 2022.

February 1st, 2023 - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced today that they have re-signed American defensive backs Brandin Dandridge, and Damon Webb, through the 2023 CFL season.

Dandridge, 26, has appeared with the REDBLACKS through the 2019, 2021, and 2022 seasons. After a breakout 2021 campaign, he spent time with the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs in 2022, before returning to Ottawa. In six appearances, this season, the Lee's Summit, Missouri native posted a career high 14 tackles, and two forced fumbles, one of which he ran back for his first CFL touchdown.

Webb, 27, began the 2022 CFL season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and appeared in two games before joining the REDBLACKS. The Detroit, Michigan, native played in nine games with Ottawa, recording a career-high 35 tackles altogether, and an interception against the Toronto Argonauts in Week 14.

February 2nd, 2023 - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have signed national receiver Tevaun Smith to a one-year contract extension, the team announced today.

Smith, 30, battled through injury in 2022, appearing in eight games, altogether. The Toronto, Ontario native hauled in 14 passes for 142 yards, 32 YAC, and a pair of touchdowns.

Drafted eighth overall by Edmonton in 2016, Smith spent time with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, Oakland Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars, before making the jump to the CFL in 2019. After racking up 956 receiving yards, and six touchdowns through 2019, and 2021, Smith was released by the Elks, and signed with the REDBLACKS on May 21, 2022. 

I keep my own version of the roster. For one thing, the team is not particularly meticulous with theirs. Updates can be long in coming. Also, I add things like contract length out of interest, just to know what to expect come free agency.

I count 68 players at the moment. Of those, 44 were on the 2022 team. That doesn't include players like Dustin Crum who signed to the practice roster last year but did not see any playing time. 

That seems like a high level of retention for a team that went 4-14 and winless at home.

You don't need to start from scratch, obviously; it would have idiotic to not re-sign Lorenzo Mauldin, Devonte Demon and/or Money Hunter, given the opportunity. It's been established that these guys are indeed quality players. But 19 free agents have been brought back to this point. I find that total staggering and, frankly, discouraging.

That said, a few of those guys should be larger contributors in 2023, injuries notwithstanding. Dedmon, Webb and Dandridge were added late in the season and now are expected to be around for the bulk of it. Receiver Justin Hardy was inexplicably left off the roster as a healthy scratch following his return from injury, which border on criminal negligence, football edition. Hopefully the current coaching staff has enough sense to see what they have in that guy.

Bring on free agency and the draft. I'm dying for more new faces. 

January 30th, 2023: REDBLACKS sign All-Star national OL Drew Desjarlais

This was a hell of a way to start the week.

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have signed former CFL West All-Star, and two-time Grey Cup Champion, national OL Drew Desjarlais to a two-year contract, the team announced today.

"I am extremely excited to join the Ottawa REDBLACKS, and to start playing at TD Place in front of the dedicated fans," said Desjarlais. "I’m looking forward to working alongside a great group of teammates, and after speaking with Coach Dyce, Shawn Burke, Coach Charbonneau and Coach Jones, it was clear that there is a great plan for this team and I wanted to be a part of it."

Desjarlais, 25, returns to the CFL for the first time since the 108th Grey Cup, after spending time with the NFL's New England Patriots, and New Orleans Saints during the 2022 season. The Belle River, Ontario product helped the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to Grey Cup championships in both the 2019, and 2021 seasons. Desjarlais started in all but eight games during his rookie season, and every game of his second.

Drafted fourth overall by the Blue Bombers, out of Windsor, in 2019, Desjarlais was named a CFL West All-Star in 2021.

"We believe in building our team in the trenches and bringing in Drew Desjarlais underscores that philosophy," said REDBLACKS General Manager Shawn Burke. "Drew is an all-star calibre guard who will add skill, strength and youth to our offensive line. We thank Drew for his belief in our program and we're excited that he's chosen to make Ottawa home."

Desjarlais was said to instantly be the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league as a result of this contract. We'll see if that holds up beyond the free agency period, however. The following was written by Tim Baines for Postmedia.

...it’s believed six teams got into a bidding war. On Monday, it was announced the Ottawa Redblacks had signed Desjarlais to a two-year deal, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the CFL. He will make $250,500 in guaranteed money this season (with another $6,000 if he is named an all-star) and will make $260,000 (with another $6,000 if he’s an all-star) in 2024. It’s believed at least one other team offered more money than the Redblacks.