CFL Roster Activity Picks Up Across the League
Ottawa RedBlacks fans watching the CFL landscape this off-season have another transaction to note: the BC Lions have signed American defensive back C.J. Coldon, the league announced Monday.
Coldon joins a Lions defence that has been active in the off-season as head coach and general manager Rick Campbell — himself a former RedBlacks head coach with deep Ottawa ties — looks to build a contender in Vancouver.
Who Is C.J. Coldon?
Coldon is an American defensive back who has bounced around professional football looking for a foothold. The CFL has long served as a landing spot for American talent that brings athleticism and upside, and Coldon fits that mould as a DB who can contribute on special teams while competing for a starting role in the secondary.
Details on his previous stops haven't been widely reported, but the Lions clearly see something worth developing in the young defensive back.
Why Ottawa Fans Should Pay Attention
For RedBlacks supporters, CFL roster moves across the league matter — especially ones involving Campbell's Lions. Ottawa faces BC during the regular season, and any upgrades to the Lions' defence could affect how quarterback Dru Brown and the RedBlacks' offence attacks that matchup.
Beyond that, the off-season transaction wire is a good barometer for where teams are investing. The Lions adding secondary depth signals they're taking the 2026 season seriously, which means every East Division team — including Ottawa — will need to bring its best.
The RedBlacks themselves have been active this off-season, retooling their own roster under general manager Shawn Burke as they look to push deeper into the playoffs after recent disappointing finishes.
The CFL Depth Game
One of the things that makes the CFL uniquely watchable is how quickly roster spots turn over. A player signed today in Vancouver could be released, traded, or elevated to a starring role by Labour Day. Ottawa fans have seen it happen firsthand — some of the RedBlacks' most important contributors over the years arrived as quiet off-season signings that didn't make headlines until suddenly they were making game-saving plays.
Coldon's signing won't move the needle dramatically on power rankings, but it's a reminder that the league's 2026 season is taking shape — and RedBlacks fans should start paying close attention.
The CFL regular season kicks off in June, with Ottawa's full schedule available at cfl.ca.
Source: CFL.ca
