The Ottawa Redblacks have signed contract extensions with veteran defensive backs Abdul Kanneh and Randall Evans.
Both players were scheduled to become free agents on Tuesday, February 8 at noon ET.
“Abdul is a proven winner in the CFL and Randall has gotten better each year and had a career season last year,” said general manager Shawn Burke. “Both are excited to be part of the Redblacks organization and we’re happy they have decided to return to Ottawa for the 2022 season.”
A 2015 CFL all-star, injuries saw Kanneh limited to eight games during the 2021 season, but his impact was still felt. The 31 year-old recorded three interceptions, including two that clinched the season-opening win against the Edmonton Elks, one of which Kanneh scored a touchdown on. He also recorded 28 tackles, in his seventh CFL season.
The 31-year-old Kanneh has played in 82 career games, recording 278 tackles, 17 interceptions, seven sacks, seven forced fumbles and scored on defensive touchdown. The five-foot-10, 170-pound cover man was an East Division all-star in 2016, helping Ottawa win the Grey Cup that year.
The 30-year-old Evans suited up in 14 games for the Redblacks during his third CFL campaign and all but one game of his career has been with Ottawa. The Miami, FL native registered career high’s in every statistical category with 70 defensive tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
The six-foot, 190-pounder has played 37 career games, registering 143 tackles, 24 special teams tackles, four sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. He started playing in Canada with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2018.