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.

Aug. 20th, 2022: "DeVonte Dedmon returns to REDBLACKS"

OTTAWA - One of the most electrifying players in Ottawa REDBLACKS history has returned to the team.

Following a stint with the NFL's Miami Dolphins, the REDBLACKS announced, today, that star returner DeVonte Dedmon will join the team for the remainder of the 2022 season. 

“You know how you go to summer camp, and you meet new people," said Dedmon. "Then the school year starts, and you are back with your Day 1 crew?” 

"I'm back with my family." 

Dedmon, 26, broke out with Ottawa during the 2021 season, following a standout rookie campaign in 2019. He totalled 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.

The Williamsburg, Virginia native also chipped in on offence, with Dedmon hauling in 103 receiving yards, 68 rushing yards, and a touchdown.

"Devonte has proven himself to be a top player in our league who is always a threat with the ball in his hands,” said REDBLACKS Head Coach Paul LaPolice. “It’s exciting for the team to be able to add a player of his calibre to the roster and we’re happy to have him back in the mix.”

"REDBLACKS' DeVonte Dedmon crowned CFL's top special teams player"

OTTAWA - Ottawa REDBLACKS standout kick returner DeVonte Dedmon has been named the 2021 John Agro Special Teams Award recipient as the CFL’s most outstanding special teams player.

The awards were announced Friday night in Hamilton during the lead up to Sunday’s Grey Cup game between the Tiger-Cats and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The award, as voted on by his peers, recognizes Dedmon after a breakout season. The 26-year-old racked up a combined 2,841 return yards across punts and kicks, along with three touchdowns in the return game. With his third return major, against the Toronto Argonauts on November 6, Dedmon became the fastest player in CFL history to reach five career return touchdowns, in just 15 games. On offence, he posted 65 rushing yards and a touchdown, to go with 98 receiving yards.

Dedmon was the REDBLACKS’ unanimous nominee for the award. He was named an East Division All-Star upon the conclusion of the regular season.

A native of Williamsburg, Virginia, Dedmon signed a one-year contract extension with the REDBLACKS on November 2, 2021. 

"REDBLACKS re-sign DeVonte Dedmon for 2022"

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have re-signed dynamic returner/receiver DeVonte Dedmon to a one-year contract extension, the club announced Tuesday. 

 

"We're excited to keep DeVonte in red and black for next season," said REDBLACKS Interim General Manager Jeremy Snyder. "DeVonte’s skill set is special and has the reputation of altering the game when he is on the field. He is a true threat with the ball in his hands to score at any time. This is the first step of many to build for a better 2022."

 

The 2021 campaign marked Dedmon’s second CFL season (not counting the cancelled 2020 season) and the 25-year-old from Virginia has been nothing short of electric. In just nine games this year, Dedmon has returned 41 punts for 637 yards and two touchdowns while also returning 41 kick-offs for 1,011 yards. Offensively, Dedmon turned 12 offensive targets into 10 catches for 98 yards, in addition to rushing for 65 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.