Official: Ottawa Redblacks sign Scott Hutter from Alouettes

Photo courtesy: Ottawa Redblacks

The Ottawa Redblacks have officially signed Canadian defensive back Scott Hutter for the 2026 season. 3DownNation reported the agreement during the negotiation window.

Hutter saw action in eight games last season with the Montreal Alouettes, recording one defensive tackle and seven special teams tackles.

The six-foot, 195-pound native of London, Ont., played five seasons with the Edmonton Elks after being selected in the sixth round of the 2019 CFL Draft out of Wilfrid Laurier University. He suffered a torn ACL in 2024, which limited him to only four games.

The 28-year-old had his best season in 2022 when he made 14 starts at safety and recorded 57 defensive tackles, nine special teams tackles, and one forced fumble. Over 62 career CFL regular-season games, Hutter has made 62 defensive tackles, 53 special teams tackles, and one forced fumble.

Hutter was named a second-team OUA all-star in his final collegiate season. In total, he recorded 135.5 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 13 pass knockdowns, and 11 interceptions with the Golden Hawks.

Pending CFL free agents were able to communicate with teams around the league from February 1 to 8, during which time contracts could be negotiated and agreed upon but not signed. Starting Tuesday, February 10, at noon EST, players can officially change teams.

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.