Redblacks Making Moves
Ottawa's football fans have plenty to be excited about this off-season. The Ottawa Redblacks have been one of the busiest teams in CFL free agency, with General Manager Shawn Dinwiddie aggressively retooling the roster as the franchise pushes for a return to prominence in 2026.
Dinwiddie, who has been methodical in his approach since taking over the GM role, has clearly shifted into high gear during the open free agency window. The Redblacks have been linked to multiple signings and negotiations as the team looks to address key positional needs on both sides of the ball.
Building a Contender at TD Place
The flurry of activity signals a franchise that is serious about competing in the East Division. Ottawa has had a turbulent few seasons, and the front office appears intent on sending a message to fans — and the rest of the league — that the Redblacks mean business.
Free agency in the CFL is always a chess match. Teams have to move quickly, and the fact that Ottawa has been willing to engage aggressively suggests confidence in the direction head coach Bob Dyce is taking the program. A more talented roster gives Dyce the tools he needs to implement his system and push for the playoffs.
For Ottawa fans who have packed TD Place through the highs and lows, this level of off-season hustle is encouraging. Building through the draft matters, but targeted free agency signings can accelerate a rebuild dramatically — patching holes and adding veteran leadership that younger players can learn from.
What to Watch For
The CFL regular season kicks off in the spring, which means the window to sign and develop chemistry before training camp is tight. Ottawa's moves in free agency will need to translate quickly into a cohesive unit.
The East Division is competitive. The Toronto Argonauts are always a threat, and the Montreal Alouettes have been building a strong programme in recent years. For the Redblacks to crack the playoff picture, the upgrades Dinwiddie is chasing in free agency will need to stick.
Key areas to watch include the offensive line — always a priority in the CFL where the ratio rules put pressure on every roster spot — and the secondary on defence. If Ottawa can shore up protection and add ball-hawk ability in the back end, they become a much more dangerous team.
Capital City Buzz
For a city that rallied hard behind the Redblacks during their 2016 Grey Cup run, there is a genuine appetite to see this team competitive again. The Redblacks are one of Ottawa's flagship sports franchises, and an active free agency period is exactly the kind of off-season storyline that generates buzz heading into camp.
Keep an eye on official announcements from the team at redblacks.com, and expect Dinwiddie to continue working the phones as the signing period progresses. If the early momentum holds, 2026 could be a very interesting year at TD Place.
Source: TSN
