The Ottawa Redblacks failed to reach the playoffs for the fifth time in the last six seasons, which means there are likely major changes on the horizon in the nation’s capital.
Head coach Bob Dyce was fired after the team finished with a league-worst record of 4-14, earning them the first overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft as a result. Franchise quarterback Dru Brown remains under contract for next year alongside key contributors such as Eugene Lewis, Drew Desjarlais, and Bryce Carter, though plenty of other players are set to come free.
Here is the full list of Redblacks whose contracts will expire in February. Please note that “N” denotes nationals (ie. Canadians), “A” denotes Americans, and “G” denotes Globals.
Quarterback
Dustin Crum (A)
Matthew Shiltz (A)
Tyrie Adams (A)
Photo: Ottawa Redblacks
Running back
Daniel Adeboboye (N)
William Stanback (A)
Receiver
Bralon Addison (A)
Luther Hakunavanhu (N)
Justin Hardy (A)
Offensive line
Dariusz Bladek (N)
Dino Boyd (A)
David Knevel (N)
Jacob Ruby (N)
Eric Starczala (N)
Defensive line
Aidan John (N)
Kene Onyeka (N)
Nigel Romick (N)
Blessman Ta’ala (G)
Michael Wakefield (A)
Courtesy: James Paddle/CFL
Linebacker
Lucas Cormier (N)
Frankie Griffin (A)
Jonathan Jones (A)
Les Maruo (G)
James Peter (N)
Jovan Santos-Knox (A)
Davion Taylor (A)
Tyron Vrede (G)
Defensive back
Adrian Frye (A)
Amari Henderson (A)
Justin Howell (N)
Deandre Lamont (A)
Adarius Pickett (A)
Robert Priester (A)
Bennett Williams (A)
Specialist
DeVonte Dedmon (A)
Richie Leone (A)
It should be noted that players who finish the season on the practice roster automatically become free agents. This means that running back Elijah Collins (A), receivers Latreal Jones (A) and Andre Miller (A), offensive linemen Isaac Moore (G) and Alec Rasmussen (A), defensive linemen Deionte Knight (N) and Baptiste Pollier (G), and defensive backs Kenyon Reed (A) and King Ambers (N) are free to join any other team. Receiver Robert Lewis (A), linebacker Jamie Pettway (A), and defensive lineman Jessie Evans (A) have already signed futures contracts to stay in Ottawa.
