Redblacks sign defensive trio, including former NFL defensive back Denzel Rice

Photo: AP/Paul Sancya

The Ottawa Redblacks have signed American defensive lineman Jhaustin Thomas, American defensive lineman Trevon McSwain, and American defensive back Denzel Rice.

Thomas, 28, spent the 2021 season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after kicking off his CFL career with the Toronto Argonauts in 2019. In 11 regular season contests, Thomas has 14 defensive tackles and a sack, all coming with the Argos.

McSwain, 25, was revealed as a member of the Redblacks’ negotiation list last December and has now officially signed with the club. In 49 career games at Duke, McSwain had 18 starts, 102 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and five forced fumbles.

Rice, 28, joins Ottawa after spending 2021 with the Spring League’s Blues. Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015, Rice spent time with Indianapolis, Cleveland, Buffalo and Baltimore, appearing in 19 NFL games and recording 14 defensive tackles and an interception.