Ottawa Redblacks' Free Agency Progress: A Detailed Look at the 2026 Roster
The Canadian Football League's free agency communication window, running from February 1-8, has been a period of intense activity and strategic maneuvering for the Ottawa Redblacks. While agreements reached during this time are technically non-binding promises, they often set the stage for official signings when the market opens on February 10. The Redblacks have experienced both gains and setbacks in this preliminary phase, offering a fascinating glimpse into their team-building strategy for the 2026 season.
The Rollercoaster of Early Negotiations
Day 1 of the so-called legal tampering period proved particularly eventful for Ottawa. The team initially appeared to secure speedy return specialist James Lechter Jr., only to see him reportedly agree to terms with the Saskatchewan Roughriders shortly afterward. However, the Redblacks quickly rebounded from this disappointment with a significant defensive acquisition.
According to veteran sportswriter Dan Ralph of The Canadian Press, defensive back Demerio Houston had initially reached an agreement with the B.C. Lions before that team reconsidered. This allowed Ottawa to swoop in and secure the 29-year-old American player. Houston's 2025 season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers was limited to just five games due to reported off-field issues, with the remainder spent on the practice roster. However, his previous performance over 30 games across two seasons with Winnipeg and the Calgary Stampeders demonstrates considerable potential, with 124 defensive tackles and 12 interceptions to his credit.
Anticipated Key Signings
Barring any last-minute changes, the Redblacks are expected to announce several significant additions when permitted to do so. The most impactful acquisitions likely include:
- Greg Bell, American running back formerly of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- A.J. Allen, Canadian weak-side linebacker from the Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Habakkuk Baldonado, global lineman also from the Roughriders' championship roster
These potential signings suggest a strategic approach to strengthening both offensive and defensive capabilities, particularly by targeting players from successful teams.
Position-by-Position Breakdown for 2026
With four months remaining before the 2026 season opener, here's how the Ottawa Redblacks' roster is shaping up across key positions:
Quarterbacks
Dru Brown enters his third season as the team's starting quarterback, bringing continuity and experience to the position. He'll be backed up by Jake Maier, a five-season CFL veteran with connections to new head coach and general manager Ryan Dinwiddie. The Redblacks opted for a one-year deal with Maier rather than re-signing former backup Dustin Crum, who has reportedly agreed to terms with the Montreal Alouettes.
Maier served as insurance behind 39-year-old Trevor Harris in Saskatchewan last season and brings substantial starting experience to Ottawa. Over four seasons with the Calgary Stampeders, he started 45 games and ranked third in CFL passing yardage in 2023. This quarterback combination provides both stability and depth as the team prepares for the upcoming campaign.
The Redblacks' approach to free agency reflects a balanced strategy of retaining core players while selectively adding talent from other teams. The communication window's unpredictable nature has already demonstrated how quickly situations can change, but Ottawa appears positioned to field a competitive roster when the 2026 season begins. As the official free agency period approaches, further developments will continue to shape the team's final composition and prospects for success.
