The Ottawa Reblacks have released 16 players ahead of the opening of training camp, most notably Global defensive lineman Thomas Schaffer.
The native of Austria played six games for the team in 2023, recording two defensive tackles. His biggest play came in Week 9 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, when he forced a fumble on a short-yardage stop that was scooped up by teammate Douglas Coleman for a score.
Prior to his CFL stint, Schaffer spent five seasons at Stanford University, collecting 37 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and four sacks. He was an honourable mention All-Pac 12 selection in 2020 and later signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent, but was released before training camp.
The six-foot-seven, 300-pound defensive tackle played four games for the Tirol Raiders in the European League of Football in 2022, registering nine tackles, four tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery. Before joining the Redblacks, he had signed with the Vienna Vikings and announced his intention to convert to offensive line.
The remaining 15 players released by Ottawa were all Americans, including defensive backs Bralen Trahan, Elijah Jones, Yusuf Corker, and Tareke Lewis, linebackers Tylar Wiltz, Caliph Brice, and Sherrod Greene, defensive linemen Deyon Sizer and Owen Carney, running back Tyler Hoosman, and receivers Kris Thornton, Joseph Walker, Jayshon Jackson, Tyler Hudson, and KeSean Carter.
The Redblacks open their preseason on Saturday, May 25 when they visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
