New-look Redblacks begin Ryan Dinwiddie era after major roster overhaul

OTTAWA — It’s officially the Ryan Dinwiddie show in Ottawa.

With just one winning season and one playoff appearance over the past six years, Ottawa’s new head coach and general manager wasted little time reshaping the roster after being hired away from Toronto in November.

Shawn Burke, who served as general manager for the past four seasons, was elevated to vice-president of football operations, giving the former Argonauts coach greater authority over football operations.

The Redblacks re-signed only 12 of their own free agents and moved on from several familiar faces, including veteran kicker Lewis Ward and fullback Marco Dubois.

With no attachment to the previous regime, Dinwiddie made several changes he hopes will result in a better record on the field, but it’s what happens off it that could be most important.

Developing a winning culture is a priority for Dinwiddie, and he added several players with championship experience.

Canadian linebacker A.J. Allen helped Saskatchewan go from a losing record to a Grey Cup title and hopes to bring that experience to Ottawa.

“I think I’m going to be able to bring a lot of culture aspects that can help improve the small decisions people make on a daily basis to improve and become better football players and become a better team,” said Allen.

One of the biggest changes comes at quarterback. Dru Brown, 2-7 as a starter last season, is the lone returnee from last season but will open the year as the backup after Dinwiddie named Jake Maier his starter for Saturday’s season opener against Edmonton.

Maier, who spent four seasons in Calgary before joining Saskatchewan last year, has played 84 CFL games and completed 68.1 per cent of his passes. The 29-year-old signed a one-year contract with Ottawa in February.

Dinwiddie said he announced the decision last week to allow both quarterbacks and the team to move forward.

“I think he’s throwing the football well,” said Dinwiddie. “He’s moving better than he has in the past. He did a great job this off-season, really training his body. We need to get him some more reps with the (first team offence), so that was our decision.”

Maier said he and Brown, Ottawa’s starter the past two seasons, have developed a strong relationship and been able to have “some pretty simple adult conversations.”

He added the team is eager to get the season underway.

“I think guys are really excited, I think we have the right leadership,” Maier said. “We hear the right voices in that locker room. Guys are really motivated again.”

Maier will have plenty of targets in a receiving corps that includes veterans Eugene Lewis and Dustin Hardy, along with Kalil Pimpleton and newcomer Ayden Eberhardt.

Ottawa’s running game should also be a threat with free-agent acquisition Greg Bell and Canadian Daniel Adeboboye.

Bell had a breakout season with Hamilton in 2025, rushing for 1,038 yards and five touchdowns on 184 carries while adding 426 receiving yards on 62 catches.

Ottawa should have no shortage of offensive weapons, while additions on defence are expected to make the Redblacks a more physical and aggressive group.

Newcomers include Allen, defensive back C.J. Reavis, defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado and linebacker Nyles Morgan.

Allen said fans can expect to see a defence that swarms to the ball and plays a physical brand of football.

“We’re going to run, we’re going to hit, and we’re going to talk to each other,” said Allen. “I think what’s going to take us from good to great is how well we communicate.”

Last season, Ottawa was the CFL’s sixth-most penalized team, averaging 7.2 penalties per game, many at costly moments.

Allen said discipline will be a key part of Dinwiddie’s culture.

“Ryan is trying to accomplish a team that works hard, communicates well, doesn’t turn the ball over and doesn’t create penalties,” Allen said. “That is the essence of what he’s trying to create along with strong special teams play.”

SEASON SNAPSHOT

2025 record: 4-14, fourth, East Division

Did you know?: Ottawa has posted just one winning home record in the last five seasons. With three of its first four games at TD Place, the Redblacks will look to take advantage of home field early.

Key additions: QB Jake Maier (Saskatchewan), RB Greg Bell (Hamilton), LB A.J. Allen (Saskatchewan), DL Habakkuk Baldonado (Saskatchewan), DB C.J. Reavis (Saskatchewan), WR Ayden Eberhardt (B.C.)

Key losses: K Lewis Ward, DB Adarius Pickett, LB Jovan Santos-Knox

Players to watch: QB Jake Maier, WR Ayden Eberhardt, LB A.J. Allen

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2026.

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press