The Redblacks aren’t messing around in 2024. On the heels of another disappointing season, especially from the pass defense, the Redblacks have done their best to solidify a talented that had a shaky performance in 2024. 

So far this offseason they were able to come to terms with Brandin Dandridge, Ty Cranston, and Damon Webb. They also retained both of their top pass rushers, and one of their top linebackers as well. A fairly solid foundation for any CFL pass defense. Now it’s been reported that Adarius Pickett has agreed to terms on a contract with Ottawa. 

All-Star Coming to Ottawa

About a week ago Adarius Pickett took to Twitter to ask where he should sign for 2024. Naturally with my team’s best interests in mind I had to weigh in. 

Roughly a week later 3Downnation reported that Pickett had agreed to terms with Ottawa on a contract that would add him to this already talented defensive unit. Pickett can add the element they just lost to the NFL when Douglas Coleman III signed with the Chicago Bears. Coleman manned the strong side linebacker position the last two seasons before signing with Chicago. 

Pickett an Upgrade?

Pickett will presumably step into the role Coleman vacated, and do his best to repeat his 2023 performance for Toronto during a record setting season. Pickett statistically might have had a better season than Coleman depending on how you measure impact plays, and tackles. He also contributed on special teams where as Coleman did not. 

Coleman: 60 tackles, 3 ints, 4 sacks, 2 tds

Pickett:117 total tackles, 19 special teams, and 5 sacks

Pickett is an incredibly valuable addition to this defense, and one that has NFL experience to lean on as well. It could be argued that Coleman was the more valuable piece in coverage, but Pickett was the more productive pass rusher. One thing this defense has lacked was a tone setter, or an enforcer in the backend to make receivers think twice coming across the middle of this defense. It will be interesting to see Pickett’s impact in 2024. 

Enough to Contend?

The move to sign Pickett is just the latest in a series of moves that could make the Redblacks competitive for the first time in years. Whether on offense or defense the Redblacks have already done a great job of identifying the players they absolutely need to bring back, while already bringing in a few key outside free agents. Considering free agency hasn’t even officially started, and we still have the draft coming as well, this strong start is encouraging but is it enough? 

Highlights:

Adam Auclair Leaves for Saskatchewan

Another day and another linebacker gone. Adam Auclair has agreed to terms with the Saskatchewan Roughriders for 2024-per 3downnation. Auclair is one of the few key members of Ottawa’s special teams units that did not re-sign. Coming off of a career year, his first that he played all 18 games, it’s no surprise to see a team take a chance on him as more than a role player. He managed a career high in defensive, and special teams tackles, logged his first interception, and managed to add his second career sack, and forced fumble. Best of luck to Adam in Saskatchewan.