Ottawa Redblacks release American returner DeVonte Dedmon

By Canadian Press on January 27, 2026.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Redblacks released American returner DeVonte Dedmon on Tuesday.

Dedmon was scheduled to become a CFL free agent next month.

Dedmon was the CFL’s top special-teams player in 2021. That season he led the league in punt-return yards (737), kickoff-return yards (1,223), punt-return TDs (two) and kickoff return touchdowns (one).

“DeVonte is a playmaker who accomplished great things during his time here,” said Shawn Burke, Ottawa’s vice-president of football operations. “He truly embraced the Ottawa community and was an important part of our organization since arriving in 2019.

“We’re grateful for everything he brought to the team and wish him all the best moving forward.”

Dedmon, 30, appeared in 42 regular-season games and a playoff contest over his six seasons with Ottawa (2019-25). He recorded 128 kickoff returns for 3,347 yards and three touchdowns, 151 punt returns for 1,985 yards and three touchdowns.

He also registered 25 catches for 226 yards with one touchdown in addition to 18 carries for 88 yards and a TD.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers agree to extension with veteran Wilson

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers agreed to a one-year extension with veteran American linebacker Kyrie Wilson on Tuesday.

The six-foot-one, 227-pound Wilson was slated to become a free agent next month.

Wilson has spent his entire eight-year CFL career with Winnipeg. He appeared in all 18 regular-season games and the East Division semifinal last season, recording 49 tackles, two special-teams tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles.

Wilson, 33, has appeared in 73 career regular-season games with Winnipeg, accumulating 206 tackles, nine sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles. He has won two Grey Cups with the Bombers, his interception in overtime clinching the 2021 title for the franchise.

Saskatchewan Roughriders sign Canadian defensive back Lokombo to extension

REGINA — Canadian defensive back Nelson Lokombo signed a contract extension with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Tuesday.

The five-foot-11, 190-pound Lokombo was slated to become a free agent on Feb. 10.

Lokombo appeared in 13 regular-season games last season, along with the West final and Saskatchewan’s 25-17 Grey Cup victory over Montreal. Lokombo recorded 21 tackles, two special-teams tackles, an interception and five pass knockdowns.

Saskatchewan took Lokombo in the first round, second overall, in the 2021 CFL draft. He has appeared in 52 regular-season games, posting 83 tackles, eight special-teams tackles, one interception and two forced fumbles.

Lokombo has also suited up for four playoff games, recording two tackles, an interception and a pass knockdown.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 27, 2026.

The Canadian Press