Ryan Dinwiddie and co have been busy since the end of the CFL Canadian Draft as the club has announced a slew of Roster moves over the last three days as the team heads into Rookie Camp next week.
If you missed the CFL Canadian Draft and Global Draft, click here for a quick recap.
The Roster moves didn’t take long, less than 24 hours after selecting Giordano Vaccaro 1st overall on Tuesday Night, the REDBLACKS had announced Wednesday Afternoon that they have signed him to a standard rookie deal.
Chris Lyons/Purdue Athletics
If you had questions around what the plan was for Ottawa going into camp with seven national offensive lineman under contract, those were answered on Thursday afternoon as 8-year veteran Peter Godber announced his retirement from professional football.
He suited up for 11 games in his lone season with the REDBLACKS. The Toronto, Ontario native was a 3rd overall pick in 2018 by BC Lions out of Rice University, he would play 82 games in his career with the BC Lions (2018-2022), Saskatchewan Roughriders (2023-2024) and Ottawa REDBLACKS (2025)
Statement from Godber:
“Today, I announce my retirement from professional football.
Growing up, I attended CFL games every year with my dad, so having the chance to be part of this league truly was a dream come true.
It’s been an honour to compete in front of such passionate fans over the past eight years. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent three outstanding organizations: the B.C. Lions, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and the Ottawa REDBLACKS.
Thank you to my teammates, coaches, and everyone who supported me along the way, as well as the support staff, training staff, equipment staff, surgeons, and all those who work behind the scenes to make it all possible.”
REDBLACKS weren’t done for the day either as they announced that they released three players, National Offensive Lineman Dariusz Bladek, National Defensive Back Charlie Ringland and American Defensive Lineman Chase McGowan.
Bladek is the name that pops off the page here, The 9-year veteran re-signed with REDBLACKS in late January shortly before the Free Agency Communication Window opened to a one-year deal. He suited up for 28 games over two seasons (2024-2025) with the REDBLACKS.
On Friday, the club had announced the signing of National 7 Players, including 5 from the 2026 Draft Class.
Fullback Èmeric Boutin (Laval) – 2nd Round | 13th Overall
Linebacker Josh Connors (Calgary) – 8th Round | 66th Overall
Defensive Back Patrick Cumberbatch (Ottawa) – Undrafted
Offensive Lineman Alassane Diouf (Montreal) – 5th Round | 39th Overall
Long Snapper Benjamin Huot (Sherbrooke) – Undrafted
Defensinve Lineman Charlie Parks (Saskatchewan) – 4th Round | 31st Overall
Only, DL Rene Konga (6th Round, 48th Overall) and LB Benjamin Dobson (5th Round, 41st Overall) remain unsigned.
The Ottawa REDBLACKS open Rookie Camps on May 6, Main Camp opens May 10.