The Ottawa Redblacks free agents pool will be deep when the league opens its door to free agency on February 9th. Redblacks general manager Marcel Desjardins doesn’t have a lot of cap room and he will see many starters that sent Ottawa to their improbable Grey Cup run, signing with other teams. Here is a look at the Ottawa Redblacks free agents.
Ottawa Redblacks Free Agents to Watch
Justin Capicciotti
Justin Capicciotti was a monster on the defensive line posting double digit sacks in the past two seasons with Ottawa. He is a canadian and a ratio buster. He will likely command a six-figure salary, with a two-to-three year term, which is moost likely out of Desjardins’ price range. Capicciotti will most likely not return to Ottawa, which would be a big loss for the East Division champs. Capicciotti was a fan favourite in Ottawa and will be missed by RNation.
Prediction: Justin Capicciotti lands with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Jovon Johnson
Staying with the defensive side of the ball, Jovon Johnson was a ball hawk in the secondary. The former Defensive MOP, signed with Ottawa to begin their inaugural season. Him and Abdul Kanneh shutdown top receivers. Johnson has expressed interest in staying in Ottawa on Twitter but with little salary cap, Desjardins’ hands are tied. He will most likely also have to find a new home. Johnson will be a hot topic on the market with his play as a shutdown defender. Johnson has the veteran presence and experience which was so crucial for the young Ottawa secondary that led them to a Grey Cup berth. Johnson will most likely land a contract in the $80-100 thousand dollar range on a one-two year deal.
Prediction: Jovon Johnson signs with the Toronto Argonauts
Keith Shologan
Keith Shologan was also big for Ottawa on the defensive side of the ball. But with the Redblacks re-signing Zack Evans, it all but sealed Shologan’s fate in Ottawa. Shologan will be a mid-top range player on the market. Once again Ottawa will most likely see another defensive starter leave the Nation’s Capital. Shologan was drafted in the expansion draft and was a fan favourite. He did not let any fans down with his play.
Prediction: Shologan goes back to Saskatchewan
Honorable Mentions for Redblacks Free Agents
Jeremiah Johnson
With Will Powell as the running back, Jeremiah Johnson was the feature back but will probably not return to Ottawa.
Prediction: Johnson heads out West and signs with BC
Brandyn Thompson
The young defensive back in the secondary was big for Ottawa. The team will do everything in their power to sign him.
Prediction: He re-signs with the Redblacks
Ottawa also announced the signing of former NFL players in wide receiver Armon Binns, and defensive back Pierre Warren. It will be interesting to see how the addition of these two will affect the current Ottawa Redblacks free agents.
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