The Ottawa Redblacks have signed American Michael Wakefield to a one-year contract extension, tying him to the team through 2026. He was a pending free agent.
The six-foot, 260-pound defender played all 18 of the team’s regular-season games this past season, recording 24 defensive tackles, one tackle for loss, three sacks, and one pass knockdown.
“Michael has been a key piece of our defensive line and our locker room throughout his time here,” said vice president of football operations Shawn Burke in a statement.
“His commitment to this organization, his daily work habits and the way he leads by example set the standard for our group both on and off the field. He brings a level of professionalism and competitiveness that makes everyone around him better and we’re excited to have him back in Ottawa.”
The 31-year-old had his best season in 2024 when he was named All-East Division after recording a career-high eight sacks and three forced fumbles.
The native of Valdosta, Ga. has played 120 career regular-season CFL games as a member of the Redblacks and Montreal Alouettes, making 184 defensive tackles, two special teams tackles, 31 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception.
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, leading receiver was Justin Hardy with 1,019 yards, and 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.
