Ottawa Redblacks release veteran linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox

The Ottawa Redblacks have released American linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox. He was a pending free agent.

The 31-year-old requested his release from the team, according to 3DownNation reporter John Hodge. He now has a chance to test the free-agent market ahead of schedule.

The six-foot-one, 233-pound defender played 42 regular-season games over three seasons in Ottawa, recording 209 total tackles, five quarterback sacks, and two interceptions. He was the team’s nominee for Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2025.

“We have the utmost respect for Jovan as a person and as a football player. A few sentences could not put into words what he has meant to our football club both on and off the field,” Redblacks vice-president of football operations Shawn Burke in a statement.

“With this move today, we felt it was important to do right by him and allow him to get a head start on free agency. We wish him all the best in the future.”

The native of Waterbury, Conn. has played 111 career CFL games as a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Edmonton Elks, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Redblacks, registering 549 total tackles, 16 quarterback sacks, five interceptions, and four forced fumbles.

The Redblacks traded for veteran linebacker Nyles Morgan earlier this offseason.