Ottawa Redblacks | Ottawa Citizen

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The Ottawa Redblacks still have a dozen players without contracts less than two weeks before the CFL free-agent period commences Feb. 11 at noon.

Considering they started the off-season with 34, it’s already been a busy off-season for GM Shawn Burke and his staff.

Three veterans were re-signed to one-year extensions this week – versatile offensive lineman Jacob Ruby, defensive back Deandre Lamont and middle linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox.

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The 30-year-old Santos-Knox is a veteran of seven CFL seasons, including the last two with Ottawa, who serves as a captain on defence.

“We are extremely pleased to have Jovan back for another season,” head coach Bob Dyce said of the UMAss product who hails from Waterbury., Conn. “He is a cornerstone of our defence, with his elite play being surpassed only by his immense value as a leader in every meaning of the word.”

Santos-Knox missed six games with an injury last season but still managed to make 65 tackles while adding two sacks and an interception.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be staying in the nation’s capital,” he said. “Last year showed that we’re headed in the right direction, and I’m eager to get back to work with my coaches and teammates as we chase our ultimate goal.”

The following is an alphabetical list of players off the 2024 Redblacks roster that remain unsigned.

WR Jaelon Acklin

WR Keaton Bruggeling

DB Ty Cranston

WR Devonte Dedmon

OL Cyrille Hogan-Saindon

LB Gary Johnson Jr.

QB Jeremiah Masoli

RB Jamal Morrow

DL Nigel Romick

LB Silas Stewart

Tyron Vrede

DB Damon Webb

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It’s believed Acklin, a 29-year-old who has played for the Reblacks the last three seasons, is contemplating his future.

Webb was an all-star in 2024 who is best remembered for scoring two touchdowns off interceptions in a 41-27 victory over the Toronto Argos on Sept. 7 at TD Place.

If the Redblacks are unable to re-sign Masoli, they’ll be looking for another quarterback with some game experience or off their neg list.

The CFL quarterbacks currently headed to free agency include Nick Arbuckle, Cameron Dukes and Bryan Scott (Toronto), Chris Streveler (Winnipeg), Shea Patterson (Saskatchewan), Dominque Davis (Montreal), Dakota Prukop (Edmonton) and Matthew Shiltz, Tommy Stevens and Logan Bonner (Calgary).

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