The Ottawa Redblacks are bringing in some local help to their defence.
The team has acquired the rights to Ottawa-born defensive end Luiji Vilain from the Toronto Argonauts.
Hearing the @REDBLACKS have traded for the rights to defensive end Luiji Vilain from @TorontoArgos. Vilain is an Ottawa native who played at Michigan and Wake Forest, spent ‘22-‘25 in the @NFL. Settled in Ottawa and wanted to play for the @REDBLACKS. Big get for Ottawa. #CFL…
— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) April 21, 2026
Along with Vilain, the Redblacks receive the Argos’ fourth-round pick in 2026 (No. 31 overall). In return, the Argos receive the Redblacks’ third-round selection in 2026 (No. 23) overall and a conditional 2027 third-round pick that can turn into a second.
Vilain, 28, was a third-round pick of the Argos in the 2021 CFL Draft, but has never played in the league. Undrafted out of Wake Forest, Vilain spent the past four seasons in the NFL. Vilain played his fifth-year senior campaign with the Demon Deacons after four years at Michigan.
TSN Football Insider Dave Naylor notes that Vilain once again resides in Ottawa and wished to play for his hometown team.
Vilain spent the past two seasons on the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns practice rosters. From 2022 to 2023, Vilain appeared in five games for the Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers. He registered a combined four tackles.
The Redblacks, under new head coach Ryan Dinwiddie, open their 2026 training camp on May 10 with rookies having reported four days earlier. Their preseason schedule begins on May 22 against the Ottawa Redblacks. The team’s regular season opens on June 6 with a visit from the Edmonton Elks.
