The Ottawa Redblacks failed to make the playoffs for the fifth time in the last six seasons, meaning there is a possibility major changes are on the horizon in the nation's capital.
Head Coach Bob Dies Fired after the team finished with a league-worst 4–14 record, earning them the first overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft. Franchise quarterback Drew Brown remains under contract through next year, along with key players Eugene Lewis, Drew DesJarlais and Bryce Carter, although many other players are set to hit free agency.
Here's the full list of Redblacks whose contracts expire in February. Note that “N” denotes citizens (i.e. Canadians), “A” denotes Americans, and “G” denotes global citizens.
Defender
Dustin Crum (A)
Matthew Schiltz (A)
Tyree Adams (A)
running back
Daniel Adeboboye (n)
William Stanbeck (A)
Recipient
Braylon Addison (A)
Luther No people (N)
Justin Hardy (A)
Offensive line
Dariusz Bladek (N)
Dino Boyd (A)
David Knevel (N)
Jacob Ruby (N)
Eric Starchala (N)
Defensive line
Aidan John (N)
Kene Onyeka (N)
Nigel Romick (N)
Blessman Taala (G)
Michael Wakefield (A)
Midfielder
Lucas Cormier (N)
Frankie Griffin (A)
Jonathan Jones (A)
Forest wealth (g)
James Peter (N)
Jovan Santos-Knox (B)
Davion Taylor (A)
Tyron Vrede (G)
Protective back
Adrian Fry (A)
Amari Henderson (A)
Justin Howell (N)
Deandre Lamont (G)
Adarius Pickett (A)
Robert Priester (A)
Charlie Ringland (N)
Bennett Williams (A)
Specialist
DeVonte Dedmon (A)
Richie Leone (A)
It is worth noting that players who finish the season on the practice squad automatically become free agents. That means running back Elijah Collins (A), wide receivers Latreal Jones (A) and Andre Miller (A), offensive linemen Isaac Moore (G) and Alec Rasmussen (A), defensive linemen Deionte Knight (H) and Baptiste Polier (G), and defensive backs Kenyon Reed (A) and King Ambers (H) are free to join any other team. Wide receiver Robert Lewis (A), linebacker Jamie Pettway (A) and defensive lineman Jesse Evans (A) have already signed futures contracts to remain in Ottawa.
