Redblacks sign Canadian offensive lineman Daniel Omara

Photo courtesy: Valerie Wutti

The Ottawa Redblacks have signed Canadian offensive lineman Daniel Omara.

On the heels of the news that two-time all-star centre Alex Mateas is retiring and that original Redblack Nolan MacMillan — literally the first pick in franchise history — is also leaning towards stepping away from the game, general manager Marcel Desjardins has made a move to try and help his national depth on the offensive line.

Per the CFL’s transaction page, the Redblacks have signed Omara. The six-foot-five, 324-pound Gatineau native played his U Sports football with the Carleton University Ravens, beginning his career on the defensive line before transitioning to the opposite side of the ball.

After going unselected in the 2019 CFL Draft, Omara signed with Ottawa, spending most of the season on the practice roster. Omara was actually released by the Redblacks this past January. However, with a couple of departures suddenly he has a chance to not only make the roster, but perhaps earn a starting job.

Omara played guard and tackle in university, and with the Redblacks likely using two Americans at the tackle position, he could slide towards the interior and be an intriguing option at guard.