Ottawa Redblacks 2024 Pending Free Agents

The Ottawa Redblacks will be looking to make changes and keep some key free agents to improve on their 4-14 season when free agency opens up in February.

It was not the season the Ottawa Redblacks were hoping for as they finished with a 4-14 record, including a season-ending four-game losing streak. Now Ottawa coach Bob Dyce and general manager Shawn Burke have some decisions to make.

The CFL released the free agency tracker on Friday to keep tabs on all pending free agents for each of the nine CFL teams. Ottawa currently has 33 players who will be on the free-agent list. 

Here is the full list of Redblacks players heading into free agency broken down by position and whether they are American (A), National (N), or Global (G). We also break down the top five players entering free agency for the Redblacks.

Ottawa Redblacks Pending Free Agents

• QB – Nick Arbuckle (A)
• RB – Anthony Gosselin (N), Ante Milanovic-Litre (N), Devonte Williams (A)
• WR – Shaq Evans (A), Justin Hardy (A), Siaosi Mariner (A), Tevaun Smith (N)
• OL – Hunter Steward (N)
• DL – Bryce Carter (A), Lorenzo Mauldin IV (A), Nigel Romick (N), Michael Wakefield (A)
• LB – Adam Auclair (N), Dan Basambombo (N), Douglas Coleman III (A), Kevin Francis (N), Frankie Griffin (A), Gary Johnson Jr. (A), Tyron Vrede (G)
• DB – Hakeem Bailey (A), Sherrod Baltimore (A), Cariel Brooks (A), Ty Cranston (N), Brandin Dandridge (A), Justin Howell (N), Monshadrik Hunter (A), Abdul Kanneh (A), Damon Webb (A)
• K – Michael Domagala (N)
• P – Richie Leone (A)
• LS – Tanner Doll (N)

Ottawa Redblacks Free Agents

Top Five Redblacks Free Agents

Devonte Williams, Running Back

While quarterback Dustin Crum got all the attention for rushing touchdowns, Devonte Williams was the leading rusher on the team and one of the best in the CFL. Williams finished the 2023 season with 1,003 yards and three touchdowns while also recording 326 receiving yards which was the fifth most on the team. With Crum being their only other viable option running the ball, Williams staying in Ottawa would help the Redblacks offense stay balanced.

Justin Hardy, Wide Receiver

Not only is Justin Hardy the top receiver on the team but is one of the most explosive receivers in the CFL. Hardy led the team with 1,009 yards and three scores while also being named CFL East All-Star. There are four wide receivers on the list to be free agents and Hardy might be the most important offensive player on that list.

Bryce Carter, Defensive Lineman

Ottawa’s leading sacker Bryce Carter recorded 12 quarterback sacks along with two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. The next Redblack on the sack list had six. Carter was selected as a CFL East All-Star in 2023. One of the top pass rushers in the CFL is on his way to hitting the free agent market and could have a lot of interested teams so the Redblacks should have him high on their list of re-sign.

Brandin Dandridge, Cornerback/Return Specialist

Brandin Dandridge is more than just a playmaker on defense, but his impact on special teams makes him a valuable option that Ottawa can’t lose. Dandridge led the team in interceptions with five in 13 games, returning two of them for touchdowns earning him a CFL East All-Star selection. He also returned a punt return for a touchdown. Having that kind of impact on two sides of the ball should have the Redblacks trying to bring him back onto the team.

Richie Leone, Punter

Since coming to the CFL in 2014, Richie Leone has been consistently one of the best and consistent punters in the league. This season didn’t prove any different as he punted the ball 117 times with an average length of 47.6 yards per punt which was tied for second in the CFL. After a fifth CFL All-Star selection, Leone and the Redblacks should be talking about keeping them together.

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