The Ottawa REDBLACKS and Toronto Argonauts have agreed to a trade ahead of the CFL Canadian Draft.
Trade Details
Ottawa Receives
Playing Rights to National Defensive Lineman Luiji Vilain
2026 fourth-round pick (31st overall)
Toronto Receives
2026 third-round pick (23rd overall) (via Edmonton)
2027 conditional third-round pick (can be upgraded to a 2nd round pick if he signs with Ottawa)
“Any time you have the opportunity to add a player of this calibre, it’s something you jump at,” said Ryan Dinwiddie, Head Coach and General Manager of the Ottawa REDBLACKS. “Luiji is a high-level talent who fits the identity we want to build on the field. On top of that, him being a national player who can perform at a high level adds valuable flexibility to our roster.”
The Ottawa native was drafted in the 3rd round, 25th overall of the 2021 CFL Draft by the Toronto Argonauts after 4 years in the NCAA with Michigan (2017-2020). He played in 12 games across two seasons (2019-2020) registering 11 combined tackles, 1 tackle for loss and 1 sack.
He made the decision to transfer to Wake Forest prior to the 2021 CFL Draft after being given an additional year of eligibility due to COVID-19 and would decide to remain in college for 2021 season. He would suit up for 14 games with the Demon Deacons registering 34 total tackles, 10 tackle for loss and team leading 9 sacks before declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft.
After going undrafted in the 2022 draft, Vilain has spent the last four seasons in the NFL with stops with the Minnesota Vikings (2022-2023), Carolina Panthers (2023), Cleveland Browns (2024) and Dallas Cowboys (2025). He saw action in 5 games with the Vikings and Panthers, registering four total tackles.
The 3rd round pick acquired by the Argonauts is originally from the Edmonton Elks. Ottawa had acquired the pick as part of the Nyles Morgan trade in late December 2025.
The CFL Canadian Draft is scheduled for Tuesday April 28. You can look over the full Draft Order HERE: