The Ottawa Redblacks have signed Canadian defensive lineman T.J. Rayam to their practice roster, according to the CFL’s transactions page. Rayam has also posted about joining the Redblacks on social media.
The native of Edmonton, Alta. played 11 games for the Calgary Stampeders this past season, recording 10 defensive tackles and one sack. He was released by the team on May 15 and remained a free agent until Tuesday.
The six-foot, 291-pound defender joined the team in 2022 as a supplemental draft pick with the team forfeiting a second-round selection to secure his rights. He made 10 tackles and two sacks as a rookie.
Get game analysis, stats, and more daily at 3pm
Here’s exactly what you’ll get.
- Canadian football's biggest stories
- Smart game analysis
- Every CFL transaction covered with exclusive insight
Rayam recorded 66 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, two pass knockdowns, and one forced fumble over 40 collegiate games at Boston College. His best season came in 2019 as a junior when he made 12 starts at nose tackle.
He is the son of Thomas Rayam, an offensive lineman whose 10-year professional career included three seasons with the Stampeders. Thomas won a Grey Cup with Calgary in 2001.
The Redblacks will open the first week of the season with a bye before hosting the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. EDT.
B.C. Lions
3DownNation CFL power rankings:
Calgary Stampeders
Calgary Stampeders release Montréal product Kaylyn St-Cyr, nine others
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Jack Coan, Trevor Harris compete to outwork each other with Saskatchewan Roughriders
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Saskatchewan Roughriders sign undrafted Canadian DB Trae Tomlinson
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Mike O’Shea defends Willie Jefferson’s declining sack numbers
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Matthew Shiltz inks one-day contract to retire with Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Toronto Argonauts
Toronto Argonauts cut incumbent starter Spencer Brown, nine others
Toronto Argonauts
Toronto Argonauts sign Alex Teubner after release from B.C.
Ottawa Redblacks
Ottawa Sooners building star-studded CFL coaching staff in CJFL
Montreal Alouettes
Veteran CFL quarterback Dustin Crum chose Montreal Alouettes over B.C. Lions
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The CFL’s highest-paid running backs and fullbacks in 2026
B.C. Lions
The CFL’s highest-paid receivers in 2026
Edmonton Elks
The CFL’s highest-paid offensive linemen in 2026
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Five position battles to watch in Winnipeg Blue Bombers training camp
Toronto Argonauts
Syracuse, Wake Forest to play at BMO Field in Toronto in 2027
B.C. Lions
The CFL’s 30 highest-paid players for 2026
Edmonton Elks
The CFL’s highest-paid defensive backs in 2026
Calgary Stampeders
Vernon Adams Jr. signs contract extension with Calgary Stampeders
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
CFL rookie, training camp vet Taylor Elgersma ready to battle for Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Toronto Argonauts
Toronto Argonauts release QB Max Duggan
Ottawa Redblacks
Ottawa Redblacks 2026 CFL training camp primer (offence)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Brady Oliveira wants to play 10 CFL seasons, retire as a Winnipeg Blue Bomber
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Position battles to watch in Saskatchewan Roughriders 2026 CFL training camp
Ottawa Redblacks
The CFL’s highest-paid linebackers in 2026
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Saskatchewan Roughriders sign Regina native Ryder Varga
Toronto Argonauts
Toronto Argonauts unveil WWE, ‘loonie dog’ game themes for 2026
From 3DownNation Reporters
