The Ottawa REDBLACKS have question marks across their roster, but the first position that will be a concern will be quarterback. With three quarterbacks set to be free agents, Tyrie Adams, Matthew Shiltz, and Dustin Crum, and an incumbent starter who has yet to make it through a full season without missing a game, there is still work to do if he wants to be considered elite.
Regardless of whether Ottawa’s new regime led by Ryan Dinwiddie feels Brown is the long-term answer or not, they will have to bring in depth at the position. The overwhelming belief is that the REDBLACKS will take a look at the quarterbacks Dinwiddie is familiar with, and perhaps someone he feels comfortable starting if needed. Ironically, given the way Toronto’s quarterback room is constructed, none of the players will be free agents. Does Dinwiddie covet any of them enough to make a trade, or does he look to free agency?
Table of Contents
Free Agent Quarterbacks
On the surface, not many of these players fit the need Ottawa has for a backup quarterback they have confidence that can start. McLeod Bethel-Thompson’s familiarity with Dinwiddie could lead him to Toronto, or Dinwiddie could bet on younger options such as Chase Brice, Harrison Frost, or Jack Coan. I do not expect a Jeremiah Masoli reunion or a swing for the fences by targeting Bo-Levi Mitchell or Trevor Harris.
Cody Fajardo could return to Edmonton, but Tre Ford is a question mark. Does Edmonton release Ford? Do they find a trade partner? Would Dinwiddie be interested?
Trade Candidates
The list of free agent quarterbacks is precisely why the REDBLACKS won’t be putting to bed any rumors of a potential trade for a quarterback. The player everyone keeps pointing to is Nick Arbuckle, but Max Duggan and other quarterbacks across the league could make some sense as trade targets depending on cost.
Duggan came into Toronto late but played most of week 18 and performed well. 13 of 16 for 109 yards, 1 touchdown, 4 carries, 45 yards. Duggan also joined the Argos after finishing the 2025 UFL season as the starter for the St. Louis Battlehawks. He completed 63 of 110 passes for 696 yards, 4 tds, and 4 ints, adding 59 carries for 300 yards and 5 touchdowns. Duggan’s mobility could make him an option for the short-yardage role, and his starting experience could make him a realistic option.
Tre Ford could prove to be an option, but his contract with Edmonton is highly prohibitive. This would likely need to be a sign-and-trade scenario where he agreed to a restructured contract to facilitate a trade to a destination he approves of.
P.J. Walker could be another trade target. Spending the end of 2024 and 2025 with the Stampeders, Walker has appeared in 13 games. He also spent time in the XFL, where he started 5 games for the Roughnecks. This led to an NFL opportunity with the Carolina Panthers, where he appeared in 15 games over 3 seasons. He joined the Browns in 2023, where he appeared in 6 more games, logging his eighth and ninth NFL starts. Walker’s experience makes him an intriguing option; his contract may not.
REDBLACKS Sign Four, Including Intriguing Global Player
The REDBLACKS have signed four players, including three familiar faces: defensive back King Ambers, Receiver Ethan Jordan, and defensive lineman Deionte Knight. Both Ambers and Jordan were 2025 draft picks who saw playing time due to injury. They now return, hoping to earn active roster spots.
Ambers played in 9 games, collecting 9 tackles and 1 interception during a season that saw the secondary decimated by injuries. Jordan competed for a job in training camp but ultimately bounced on and off the practice roster in 2025. He was last released in June before returning for 2026.
The final player signed is a rookie. Yoann Minague has one of the most interesting paths to the CFL of any player you might find on a roster currently. Formerly a Taekwondo champion for France, he decided to pursue football in 2019, signing with the La Courneuve Flash of the Ligue Élite de Football Américain. The highest form of American Football in France.
Minague participated in a pro-day of sorts in advance of the 2021 NFL season, hoping to garner attention from NFL teams via the International Pathway Program. At 6’4 1/2 287 pounds, Minague put up solid numbers but did not blow anyone away athletically. Running a 5.07 40-yard dash, an 8.01 3-cone drill, and a 4.84 shuttle. He also managed a 9-foot-1-inch broad jump and 32.5-inch vertical leap, with 20 reps in the bench.
Unfortunately, he was not signed by an NFL or CFL team at that point. This didn’t stop him as he would go on to play in Germany for the Dresden Monarchs before a move to Chicago, Illinois. He later attended the College Gridiron Showcase in an effort to attract attention at the highest levels. Now, after a path that started nearly 7 seasons ago, he has a chance to make it with the REDBLACKS, listed at 310 pounds, up nearly 25 pounds from his pro-day.
Ottawa could use some more quality depth on the interior of its defensive line. Could we see their line feature two global players in 2026 with Blessman Ta’ala and Minague?
Sponsor: Upside
This content and so much more is brought to you by Upside. Upside is a free, no-strings-attached app that will pay you cashback for the purchases you already make. Gas, Groceries, or a Good Meal, with just 3 clicks, you can earn Cash Back today at HUNDREDS of locations. Use our code Sam363682 to save an additional 15 cents per gallon on your next fuel purchase. With discounts up to 25 cents per gallon, you could earn 40 cents back per gallon on your first purchase. Again, use our code Sam363682 at sign up.
YouTube
Please also help us continue growing on our YouTube Channel by subscribing if you haven’t already. Also, like and comment on any videos you enjoy! Thank you for your support, and we hope you continue to tune in!
Also, check out our new Live Events channel dedicated to broadcasting any games we are able to get the broadcast rights to. We have broadcast arena football, A7FL, Big 3 Basketball, Flag Football, Boxing, MMA, and so much more.
https://www.youtube.com/@ShadySportsNetworkLiveGames
Join the Conversation on Discord, Facebook, or Reddit
Are you on Discord or Facebook? Join our server/groups to jump in the conversation, stay up to date on your favorite leagues, and give us your hot takes. You can also promote your content!
Fantasy Reports Facebook Group
Discover more from Shady Sports Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.