Redblacks sign OL Desjarlais to two-year contract
Published
OTTAWA — The Ottawa Redblacks signed Canadian offensive lineman Drew Desjarlais to a two-year contract Monday.
Desjarlais, 25, of Belle River, Ont., spent the 2022 season with New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints. He was drafted in the first round, No. 4 overall, by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 2019 CFL draft out of Windsor
Desjarlais was a member of two Grey Cup-winning teams with Winnipeg and earned West Division all-star honours in 2021.
"I am extremely excited to join the Ottawa Redblacks and to start playing at TD Place in front of the dedicated fans," Desjarlais said in a statement.
"I’m looking forward to working alongside a great group of teammates, and after speaking with Coach Dyce, Shawn Burke, Coach Charbonneau and Coach Jones, it was clear that there is a great plan for this team and I wanted to be a part of it."
Desjarlais started in all but eight games during his rookie season and every contest in his second.
"We believe in building our team in the trenches and bringing in Drew Desjarlais underscores that philosophy," said Burke, Ottawa's GM. "Drew is an all-star calibre guard who will add skill, strength and youth to our offensive line.
"We thank Drew for his belief in our program and we're excited that he's chosen to make Ottawa home."
Calgary Stampeders sign American linebacker Silas Stewart to extension
CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders signed American linebacker Silas Stewart to a contract extension.
Stewart, 27, was slated to become a free agent Feb. 14.
“Silas is one of our young players who we’re looking forward to seeing make a big impact in 2023,” said Stampeders GM/head coach Dave Dickenson.
Stewart appeared in 18 regular-season games, starting three at middle linebacker. He had a team-high 20 special-teams tackles while registering 35 defensive tackles, one sack, two knockdowns, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Stewart has played in 30 career CFL regular-season contests, recording 42 tackles, 29 special-teams tackles, two knockdowns, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Lions re-sign Canadian offensive lineman David Knevel
VANCOUVER — Canadian offensive lineman David Knevel has signed a contract extension with the B.C. Lions.
Knevel was eligible to become a free agent Feb. 14.
He missed all of last season after undergoing shoulder surgery.
The six-foot-eight 325-pound native of Brantford, Ont., appeared in all 14 regular-season contests in 2021, seeing action at both guard and tackle.
B.C. selected Knevel in the third round, No 21 overall, in the 2018 CFL draft out of Nebraska.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 30, 2023.