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Winless Redblacks release veteran DB Houston among series of changes

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Montreal Alouettes quarterback Terry Wilson (14) is tackled Ottawa Redblacks' Demerio Houston (6) during second half CFL action in Ottawa, Friday, July 31, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld (Adrian Wyld)

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Redblacks have released veteran defensive back Demerio Houston.

The move was among a series of changes announced Monday as the club tries to recover from a disastrous 0-8 start to the CFL season.

Houston had appeared in every game for the Redblacks this year, making 23 defensive tackles and one special teams tackle.

He helped Winnipeg win the Grey Cup in 2021 and was a West Division and league all-star with the Blue Bombers in 2023 when he had a league-high seven interceptions in 15 games.

The Redblacks also released defensive back Amari Henderson, who had 20 defensive tackles in six games this season.

Additionally, Ottawa signed defensive back Kenzel Lawler, the brother of Hamilton Tiger-Cats star receiver Kenny Lawler, as well as receiver Grant DuBose, Canadian lineman Jaxon Morkin and Canadian long-snapper Lucus Spencer.


This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 10, 2026.

The Canadian Press