Ottawa Redblacks re-sign homegrown LB James Peter

Photo courtesy: Ottawa Redblacks

The Ottawa Redblacks have signed Canadian linebacker James Peter to a contract extension for the 2026 season.

The 26-year-old played 17 games for the Redblacks in 2025, registering five defensive tackles and 19 special teams tackles.

Peter was selected by the Redblacks with the 12th overall pick in the second round of the 2022 CFL Draft after a successful collegiate career at the University of Ottawa. In 42 games over his three seasons with his hometown team, he has collected five defensive tackles, 34 special teams tackles, and one forced fumble.

The Ottawa Redblacks finished fourth in the East Division standings in 2025 with a 4-14 record, missing the playoffs for the fifth time in the last six seasons. Dru Brown went 2-7 over nine starts at quarterback, throwing for 2,389 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Dustin Crum went 2-4 over six starts, throwing for 1,771 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions.

The Redblacks ranked sixth in net offence, fifth in net defence, and ninth with a turnover differential of minus-16. The club’s leading rusher was William Stanback with 698 yards, the leading receiver was Justin Hardy with 1,019 yards, and the leading tackler was Adarius Pickett with 84 tackles. Ottawa finished eighth in attendance with average crowds of 18,136, which was a 4.2 percent decrease from the previous year.