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: "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.

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.

January 18th: REDBLACKS re-sign Defensive MOP Lorenzo Mauldin IV

This one came as a mild surprise. Mauldin had said that he planned to evaluate all options going into free agency. Presumably that included waiting until the "legal tampering" period before free agency hit to see what other CFL clubs might offer.

Evidently the REDBLACKS offer was too good to pass up, even if it's for just one year. Most of the club's re-signings have been for two seasons.

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have re-signed the CFL's reigning Most Outstanding Defensive Player, inking defensive lineman Lorenzo Mauldin IV to a one-year deal, the team announced today.

“What’s good Ottawa! It was such a pleasure playing for the REDBLACKS in 2022 and I happen to love you all so much that I wanted to do it again in 2023!," said Mauldin. "My family and I are excited to keeping calling Ottawa home next season. Thanks for the love, RNation!"

Mauldin, 30, took the league by storm in his first season with the REDBLACKS, after arriving from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats via free agency. The Sacramento, California native set a REDBLACKS single season record, with a CFL-leading 17 sacks in 2022, also recording 43 tackles, and a pair of forced fumbles, appearing in all 18 games. 

 “Lorenzo Mauldin is a player who gives everything he can every time he hits the field and is someone you don’t want to be playing against,” said REDBLACKS General Manager Shawn Burke. “He was last year’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player for a reason and we’re excited to see him take the next step in his career as a REDBLACK.”

Named to the 2022 CFL All-Star team, Mauldin became just the second player in Ottawa franchise history to earn Most Outstanding Defensive Player honours, and first since Greg Marshall in 1983.

After a stint in the NFL, Mauldin joined the Ti-Cats in 2019. He appeared in 17 games across the 2019, and 2021 seasons, recording 25 total tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble.

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.

REDBLACKS Signings for the Week of Dec. 19th to 23rd.

A slower week of re-signings going into the holiday season but focused on the defensive line.

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have re-signed national defensive lineman Kene Onyeka to a two-year contract, the team announced today. 

Onyeka, 26, is coming off his third CFL season, all with the REDBLACKS, in which he enjoyed the highest production of his career. The Lagos, Nigeria native, who grew up in Brampton, Ontario, appeared in 17 games, recording 26 total tackles, five sacks, and a forced fumble.

"I'm very happy to sign on for another two years with the REDBLACKS," said Onyeka. "I'm just happy to get to do what I love in a place that I love."

A product of the Carleton Ravens, Onyeka was selected in the fourth round, 29th overall, by the REDBLACKS in the 2018 CFL Draft.

The Ottawa REDBLACKS have (also) locked up national defensive lineman Cleyon Laing for two more years.  

Laing will suit up for his 10th CFL season in 2023 and fourth overall with Ottawa. Laing previously played for the REDBLACKS in 2016, winning a Grey Cup, before returning to Ottawa in 2021. The Edmonton native had three of his 39 career sacks last season while playing in all 18 games. 

Laing broke into the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts in 2013 and spent three seasons there before his first stint with the REDBLACKS. He would go on to spend three more years with Toronto, winning the Grey Cup again in 2017, before once again deciding to call Ottawa home. 

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.

REDBLACKS Signings For The Week of Dec. 5th to 9th

Catching up to the week's events. The REDBLACKS have a massive free agent list but they trimmed it down a bit during the week. All graphics lifted from the team's Twitter account and far superior to anything I could create. 

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have re-signed four-time CFL All-Star American punter Richie Leone.

“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to continue playing for the REDBLACKS,” said Leone.  “This will be my fifth season in the nation’s capital, and RNation should expect big things from us; there will be a lot to cheer for on the banks of the Rideau Canal come 2023.”

Leone, 30, is a veteran of six CFL seasons, and has spent the last four with the REDBLACKS. The Roswell, Georgia native racked up 4,315 net yards, last season, averaging 40.7 yards per punt: the second-highest marker of his CFL career.

A critical component of Ottawa's perennial standouts on special teams, Leone has earned Divisional All-Star honours five times (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021) and league All-Star recognition four times (2015, 2016, 2019, 2021). Before arriving in Ottawa, he made his CFL debut with the BC Lions in 2015, where he played for two seasons.

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have re-signed national defensive back Ty Cranston, the team announced today.

“I’m very excited to be re-signing with Ottawa, and continuing my career with the REDBLACKS. Ottawa has become my home over the past 10 years and I’m excited to work to rebuild the strong REDBLACKS legacy that I’ve witnessed throughout my time in Ottawa,” Cranston said. “I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Coach Dyce, and reuniting with Khari Jones and Barron Miles. All three are coaches I greatly respect, and have lots to offer this team and the city moving forward.”

Cranston, 28, arrived to Ottawa during the 2022 offseason, after having spent three seasons with the Montreal Alouettes. In his first campaign with the REDBLACKS, the Winnipeg, Manitoba native suited up in 17 games, finishing tied for fifth in the CFL with 17 special teams tackles, and adding three more on defence.

A product of the University of Ottawa, Cranston was selected in the seventh round, 56th overall, by the Als in the 2017 CFL Draft.

Those 17 special teams tackles were a team best.

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have reached an agreement with Lewis Ward, keeping the record-setting kicker in the nation's capital through the 2024 CFL season.

"I'm extremely excited to be back in Ottawa for another two years, to help us get back to the level that we expect," said Ward. "We have great people in this building, we have a lot of talent here, and we have the leadership of Coach Dyce. I’ve been blessed to have him as my special teams coach, and I’m excited to be here for the next couple of years."

Ward, 30, signed with the REDBLACKS on January 3, 2018, after going undrafted the year prior. Following a first season that saw him named the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie, Ward went on to set the professional football record for consecutive field goals made (69), and also holds the CFL single-season record with a 98.1 made field goal percentage in 2018.

Born in England, and raised in Kingston, Ontario, Ward matched the second-best field goal percentage of his career in 2022, converting 49 kicks on 57 attempts. 

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have re-signed national fullback Marco Dubois through the 2023 CFL season, the team announced today.

"Coming back to Ottawa was an easy choice for me; the city, the fans and the whole organization has been great to me since I got drafted in 2018," said Dubois. "It is an honour to play for the REDBLACKS and to continue playing for Bob Dyce. We will give everything we've got to bring back the winning culture that RNation deserves. Can't wait to be back home on Bank Street!"

Dubois, 27, was drafted in the second round, 13th overall by the REDBLACKS in 2018. The Lasalle, Quebec native saw one of the best seasons of his CFL career during 2022, making four catches for 70 yards, including a career-long 54 yard reception in the season opener at Winnipeg.

On special teams, Dubois also chipped nine tackles through 18 games.

Dubois is actually 28 years old, for what that's worth. Or if he's 27, his date of birth is wrong on the website.

The team also locked in 2022 draft pick Daniel Valente from Western Ontario but I don't believe they included him in an announcement. Valente earned the Ontario Conference's President's Award this past season as the outstanding stand up defensive player. He had 16 tackles, five interceptions and a sack for Western in 2022.

Two other draft picks from earlier this year were signed up for 2023 as well in linebacker Subomi Oyesoro (Calgary) and fullback Connor Ross (St. Francis Xavier). This took place on November 21st. I assumed it would be announced at some point but that has yet to happen.

Two other 2022 camp attendees are going to give it another shot in 2023. They are Guelph's Eric Starczala on the offensive line and Shaiheem Charles-Brown on the defensive line. I suspect that entire bunch will get a generic "group" announcement at some point down the road. Maybe.

Oct 17th, 2022: "REDBLACKS sign American linebacker Jordan Young"

I'm using the press release title, but not the press release itself, because it's largely useless. All I'll copy from it are Young's standard basic info.

American linebacker Jordan Young

HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 230 lbs | BIRTHDAY: 1998-18-02

HOMETOWN: Coatesville, PA | SCHOOL: Old Dominion 

Great. 

Now in order to actually know a little more about this young man, I'll refer to an article from the May 2nd, 2022, Daily Local News in which it was reported that Young had signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

A former Coatesville High School star quarterback has been signed as an undrafted free agent by the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a linebacker. Jordan Young, a 2015 Coatesville graduate who stands 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, has been rewarded for having a stellar college career at Old Dominion University with a contract with the Buccaneers.

Young left the Monarchs as the all-time leading tackler, and in 2021, his senior season, he started all 13 games at linebacker. Young had a team-high 104 stops in 2021 and that landed him in seventh place in Conference USA. Young also led the Monarchs with 7.5 tackles for loss and notched a pair of sacks. In his four seasons at ODU, Young had a school-best 350 tackles and five sacks along with 20.5 tackles for loss.

In his senior season at Coatesville in 2014 Young led the Red Raiders to the District 1 4A championship game. During his time as quarterback of the Raiders he completed 208 of 324 passes for 2,270 yards and 20 touchdowns. Young also rushed 147 times for 669 yards and 20 touchdowns and was selected to play in the Big 33 game his senior year.

Young is part of a storied football family as his father Anthony was drafted by the NFL Baltimore Colts after a star career at Temple University. Jordan Young also has two younger brothers, Avery and Aaron, who are currently playing their collegiate football at Rutgers University.

None of this is included in the press release. It only states that he's been signed by Ottawa.

Here are his stats with Old Dominion, copied from his bio on the school's athletics website.

Who knows, this guy may not work out here. He may never even show up for camp next year. It's been known to happen. 

But if I'm trying to promote a team that is performing poorly on the field to an annoyed fan base, maybe I use a guy that's notched 350 tackles in 49 games to show that I'm serious about trying to improve the product instead of treating a roster addition like an afterthought. It wouldn't have taken much effort.

Knowing this team, they'll put more effort in promoting their Hallowe'en theme night. 

Oct 12th, 2022: REDBLACKS sign national DL Alain Cimankinda

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have added national defensive lineman Alain Cimankinda to the club's practice roster, the team announced Wednesday. 

The Congo-born Gatineau resident was drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 CFL Draft by the Saskatchewan Roughriders and spent the 2021 season with the team. Released prior to this season, the Riders re-signed Cimankinda in time to play in their Week 7 matchup against Toronto.

National defensive lineman Alain Cimankinda

HEIGHT: 6-1 | WEIGHT: 280 lbs | BIRTHDAY: 1995-05-04
HOMETOWN: Democratic Republic of the Congo | SCHOOL: Guelph

Oct 6th, 2022: REDBLACKS sign American DB Darius Williams

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have added American defensive back Darius Williams to the club's practice roster, the team announced Thursday. 

The 24-year-old Floridian began his CFL career with the Edmonton Elks in 2021 before moving the Montreal Alouettes this year. In two CFL seasons, Williams has 39 defensive tackles, 11 special teams tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble in 24 games. 

American defensive back Darius Williams

HEIGHT: 5-10 | WEIGHT: 195 lbs | BIRTHDAY: 1998-08-11
HOMETOWN: St. Petersburg, FL | SCHOOL: Carson-Newman

B.C. Lions’ Dominique Rhymes (19) dives but fails to make the reception as Edmonton Elks’ Darius Williams, back, defends during the first half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Thursday August 19, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

REDBLACKS sign American WR Quan Bray

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have added American receiver Quan Bray to the club's practice roster, the team announced Tuesday. 

Bray has played in 27 regular season games in two seasons in the CFL, both with the Montreal Alouettes. As a rookie in 2019, Bray caught 58 of 83 targets for 818 yards and six touchdowns. In all, the 29-year-old Auburn product has caught 93 passes for 1,299 yards and eight touchdowns in the CFL. 

ADDED TO PRACTICE ROSTER: 

American wide receiver Quan Bray

HEIGHT: 5-10 | WEIGHT: 184 lbs | BIRTHDAY: 1993-04-28
HOMETOWN: LaGrange, GA | SCHOOL: Auburn

Sept 5th, 2022: "REDBLACKS sign American DB Dandridge, QB Crum"

Very glad to see Brandin Dandridge return to the team. The image below is from his Instagram account and Jon Halpenny was tagged on it, presumably because Jon took the picture. 

The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced a pair of American signings, today, with defensive back Brandin Dandridge, and quarterback Dustin Crum officially joining the team.

Dandridge, 26, returns to the REDBLACKS, following an NFL stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. A veteran of two seasons, the Lee's Summit, Missouri native appeared in eight games last season, recording 12 total tackles and four interceptions.

Crum, 23, also spent the 2022 Training Camp with Kansas City, and enters the CFL for the first time. Hailing from Grafton, Ohio, Crum played college football for Kent State, where he completed 576 passes for 7,420 yards, and 55 touchdowns.

"REDBLACKS sign national LB Shaydon Philip"

The Ottawa REDBLACKS added linebacker Shaydon Philip to the roster yesterday but rather than copy the press release here, I prefer to post a portion of a Toronto Sun article from January of 2021. Philip had just signed with Calgary and the article, written by Gerry Moddejonge, provides more information about his background than the release does.

...Calgary picking a young Edmonton prospect provides yet another spark to the smoldering rivalry between the province’s two Canadian Football League teams. But that all took a backseat when the opportunity of a lifetime that arose for Philip.

Especially after having the whole process of making the transfer to the pros interrupted by COVID-19 the way it was last year.

“I got invited to the national combine, so I went through the process of interviewing with teams. It was weird doing it over Zoom,” recalled Philip, who played a total of three seasons with the University of Alberta Golden Bears. “It all happened really quickly because I was practising with the Bears still and then, all of a sudden, we were told we couldn’t go to the facilities anymore. The national combine got cancelled and I was getting Zoom calls from teams.”

No combine meant no chance to show teams exactly what he was capable of, live and in person, which contributed to Philip getting passed over in May’s CFL draft.

“The day after the draft is when my agent said Calgary was interested and we were going to get a contract signed up. And then the league just shut down,” said Philip, who kept at his craft not knowing if sheer circumstances had led to him getting passed by. “My agent contacted me last week and said, ‘Hey, you still want to play football?”

While the answer is obvious, there was a time when Philip had to ask if football still wanted him.

After two seasons following an upward trajectory in the Bears secondary, Philip found himself backpedalling through life, suddenly on the outside looking in at the Canada West Conference.

“I had gotten into some trouble just being a stupid, young kid,” he said. “And when that happened — sports was my world; I did my school, I had my friends, but sports was my No. 1, my safe zone — I honestly didn’t know, I thought I was going to quit football. I was just going to get my degree and move on.

“But the (Edmonton) Huskies convinced me to come play (junior), and that was a huge turning point in my life. I was so grateful for everyone at the Huskies and what they did for me, because I was ready to quit and I had so much fun that year.”

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - Bison #22 Jamel Lyles stretches to increase the yardage as he goes down to Alberta Golden Bear #15 Shaydon Philip Friday afternoon at the Investors Group Stadium. - Sept 29, 2017

Back on track, Philip returned to the Bears in 2019 to try and turn football into a career, global pandemic or not.

“This has been my dream since I was a kid, since minor football in St. Albert,” Philip said. “So, I kept my head up, did my best to stay in shape and just keep positive about it. And just keep waiting and waiting."

“I’m so thankful and blessed that it actually came about. Now, I’ve got to take the next step, go into camp and try and make the roster.”

"REDBLACKS sign American DL Antonio Simmons"

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, Thursday, that the team has signed American defensive lineman Antonio Simmons. 

Simmons, 25, is a product of Georgia Tech, who most recently appeared with the Montreal Alouettes, suiting up in three games during the 2022 campaign. In 2021, he saw action with the Edmonton Elks, after being traded by the Als in his original stint with the team.

All told, the Jacksonville, Florida native has appeared in 30 CFL games, posting 63 tackles, six sacks, and a forced fumble.

There is a general sloppiness that has found its way into this organization in recent years which I find infuriating.

This was OSEG's announcement on Twitter.

What the hell does Terrance Smith have to do with this?  Clearly they used the wrong image. 

Sigh...mistakes happen, fine...Let's get to the actual announcement:

The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, Thursday, that the team... 

What, you're announcing it tomorrow?  You can't even get the day of the week right? 

I should compile a list of all the incorrect releases issued by this team in recent months. They've announced defensive players as being on the offensive side of the ball, they've listed the wrong school for at least one guy and they once listed a defensive back's dimensions for a linebacker, making them off by about four inches and 50 pounds.

I suppose it doesn't matter much, the roster is rarely up to date regardless and would often include players that were supposedly 0 years old and 5'1" in height. Not even Lewis Ward is that short.

It's baffling. You can't win a game to save your life yet you continuously make these silly mistakes.

I know these don't affect on-field performance, obviously, but there is a complete lack of attention to detail that seems to run from one end of this organization to the other. When you're struggling to maintain interest and support, you might want to make every effort to appear competent in as many facets as possible.

"REDBLACKS sign 2021 first-round pick Deshawn Stevens"

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have inked their first-round draft choice from 2021, signing linebacker Deshawn Stevens to a CFL contract, the team announced today.

Stevens, 24, was selected sixth overall by the REDBLACKS in the 2021 CFL Draft. The Toronto native was coming off of a season with Maine that saw him rack up 36 tackles, including 13 unassisted, in a shortened four-game season.

Stevens transferred to West Virginia for the 2021 season, and recorded 12 tackles through 10 games.

National linebacker Deshawn Stevens'

HEIGHT: 6-2 | WEIGHT: 255 lbs | BIRTHDAY: 1997-06-09
HOMETOWN: Toronto, ON | SCHOOL: Main/West Virginia