However, their list of essential purchases is nearly complete; they’ll only make additional acquisitions if the price is acceptable.
As the CFL’s “legal tampering window” closes Sunday at noon and free agency commences Tuesday at noon, the Ottawa Redblacks have already utilized a significant portion of their $5.585-million salary cap, with early acquisitions and salary increases consuming a substantial portion.
Their most recent signing is defensive back Money Hunter, who was limited to just four games last year after sustaining a pectoral muscle tear during a pre-season scrimmage. In 2022, Hunter showcased his skills with 38 tackles and four interceptions in 12 games with the Redblacks.
When asked if the team had improved compared to the previous year’s 4-14 record, Redblacks general manager Shawn Burke stated, “We’re addressing areas of need and adding depth. Time will tell. Success isn’t determined in February; it’s about the performance from June through November. No GM or head coach enters this process aiming to weaken their team.”
Several players have already agreed to join new teams, but official contracts cannot be signed until Tuesday unless the player has been released. The CFL introduced the tampering window in 2020 to allow teams to communicate with players ahead of free agency.
Burke expressed his approval of the tampering window, stating, “It allows you to discuss your situation with players and get to know them better. This way, it feels like a mutual decision, rather than agents dictating terms without understanding the player or the team.”
Earlier this week, the Redblacks secured strong-side linebacker/defensive back Adarius Pickett on a one-year contract reportedly valued at $170,000. Since Pickett was released by the Toronto Argonauts, the deal has been finalized.
Ottawa had previously acquired and signed quarterback Dru Brown, as well as reaching a two-year agreement with receiver Dominique Rhymes, who was released by the BC Lions. Both acquisitions are considered significant.
Brown, who is slated to be the team’s starting quarterback, brings stability that was lacking last year. He will earn $286,000 in hard money this season, with an additional $54,000 in playtime incentives, potentially totaling $340,000. In 2025, his salary will increase to $355,000, with $45,000 in playtime incentives, potentially totaling $400,000.
He received a $45,000 signing bonus, which adds up to $133,800 in guaranteed money (with the potential for up to $90,000 more in performance-based incentives). If Brown performs well, Masoli’s earnings may not surpass the base salary by much.
Rhymes, who began his career with the Redblacks, will earn approximately $195,000 this season after spending three seasons with the Lions. In 2022, he had a standout year with 1,401 receiving yards on 85 catches, scoring 11 touchdowns and earning a division all-star nod.
The Redblacks secured contracts with several potential free agents, including defensive linemen Bryce Carter, Lorenzo Mauldin IV, and Michael Wakefield; defensive backs Justin Howell, Brandin Dandridge, and Damon Webb; receiver Bralon Addison; and linebacker Frankie Griffin. Returner/receiver DeVonte Dedmon will return with a restructured deal.
In another notable move, the Redblacks released guard Jacob Ruby before he was due to receive a $20,000 bonus on February 1st. He would have earned $197,500 this season. Dariusz Bladek was signed as his replacement.
“In the salary cap environment, tough decisions have to be made,” said Burke. “We found a player on the market who fits better with our team-building strategy. Dariusz has proven himself as a valuable player in this league and comes at a lower cost.”
Among those departing from last year’s team are receiver Nate Behar (with the team honoring a $30,000 guarantee from a $140,000 contract), linebacker Adam Auclair (who signed with Saskatchewan), running back Ante Milanovic-Litre (Hamilton), and receiver Savon Scarver (Toronto).
Burke praised Auclair, stating, “We had ongoing discussions throughout the offseason. He wanted more opportunities to start from Day 1, and understandably, that comes with a higher salary. With salary cap constraints, tough decisions have to be made regarding how funds are allocated.”
It appears likely that the Redblacks will field four American receivers, with Behar’s spot possibly filled by Keaton Bruggeling, Daniel Perry, or Daniel Oladejo, who will each earn considerably less.
Expected to announce their coaching staff early in the week, the Redblacks made three additions to their defensive backs roster on Friday: Abu Daramy-Swaray (Colgate), D.J. Stirgus (Missouri Western State), and Elijah Jones (Oregon State).
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