Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros, left, passes as Michael Couture (59) and Drew Desjarlais (61) hold off B.C. Lions' J.R. Tavai (10) during the first half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Friday, October 1, 2021. The Ottawa Redblacks signed Canadian offensive lineman Desjarlais to a two-year contract Monday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
OTTAWA – The Ottawa Redblacks signed Canadian offensive lineman Drew Desjarlais to a two-year contract Monday.
Desjarlais, 25, of Belle River, Ont., spent the ’22 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.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 30, 2023.
