Ottawa Redblacks Chart New Course After Adarius Pickett's Exit
The Ottawa Redblacks are entering a pivotal phase as they prepare for the Canadian Football League's free agency period, which begins with a communication window from February 1 to 8, followed by the official start on February 10. This comes in the wake of significant roster changes, most notably the departure of three-time all-star linebacker Adarius Pickett to the Toronto Argonauts.
Pickett's Swift Move to Toronto
Adarius Pickett, a key defensive player for the Redblacks, did not linger in free agency. His agent requested a release from Ottawa during the offseason, and he quickly secured a one-year deal with the Toronto Argonauts. Reports from 3Down Nation indicate the contract includes an $80,000 signing bonus and $191,000 in guaranteed money, with a potential maximum value of $202,000. This marks the fourth team change in six seasons for the 29-year-old Californian.
When asked about his departure, Pickett cited slow negotiations with Ottawa, stating they were "almost none". In response, Redblacks vice-president of football operations Shawn Burke acknowledged the talks but emphasized that the two sides could not reach common ground, leading to an amicable split.
Internal Promotion: Bennett Williams Steps Up
With Pickett gone, the Redblacks have turned to internal talent to fill the void. They have extended Bennett Williams, a 26-year-old from Oregon who has primarily served in backup roles over his first two seasons with the team. Williams is now poised to take over as the starting strong-side linebacker under new head coach Ryan Dinwiddie.
Burke highlighted Williams' capabilities, noting that he performed well during a six-week stint in 2025 when Pickett was injured. "He's a very good special teamer... In eight games, he had nine special teams tackles," Burke said. "We think he's right on par with what Adarius did for us there." This promotion allows Williams to seize an elevated role while maintaining defensive stability.
Strategic Financial Moves and Defensive Reinforcements
The financial flexibility gained from not re-signing Pickett has enabled the Redblacks to secure extensions for six other defensive players. This group includes promising Canadian linebackers Lucas Cormier and James Peter, as well as Canadian lineman Aidan John. These moves reflect a strategic approach to building a cohesive and cost-effective defensive unit.
Additionally, the return of Alonzo Addae from an elbow injury provides further depth in the secondary, allowing Williams to focus on his new starting position without overextending the roster.
Looking Ahead to CFL Free Agency
As the Redblacks navigate the upcoming free agency period, their strategy appears focused on nurturing internal talent and making calculated signings. The loss of Pickett is a challenge, but the team's proactive extensions and confidence in Williams suggest a resilient outlook. With free agency set to unfold in early February, Ottawa will aim to bolster its lineup while staying true to its financial and team-building principles.
The Redblacks' ability to adapt and invest in emerging players will be crucial as they seek to compete in the highly competitive CFL landscape. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these decisions translate on the field in the coming season.
