Ottawa Redblacks agree to terms with Canadian linebacker A.J. Allen: sources

Photo: Gideon Mojica/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

The Ottawa Redblacks have agreed to terms with Canadian linebacker A.J. Allen, per sources. Barring anything unforeseen, he’s expected to sign a two-year contract with the team.

Allen produced 87 tackles — fifth-most in the three-down league — four special teams tackles, four sacks, three interceptions, and three forced fumbles in 18 regular-season games for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2025.

The 27-year-old recorded two tackles and one sack in the Green and White’s 24-21 West Final win over the B.C. Lions. With one minute and 33 seconds left, Allen shed a Zander Horvath block and stopped Nathan Rourke short on a second and three. That led to a Leos punt as Trevor Harris led a drive and hit Tommy Nield for the game-winning score to send Saskatchewan to the 112th Grey Cup. He made six tackles and one special teams stop in the CFL championship victory.

The Burlington, Ontario native was selected by the Riders in the fourth round, 35th overall during the 2020 CFL Draft. He appeared in 66 games with the team, recording 119 defensive tackles, 51 special teams tackles, four sacks, four interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, and three forced fumbles.

Collegiately, Allen played five seasons at the University of Guelph where he was named the OUA’s Most Outstanding Stand-Up Defensive Player, a first-team All-Canadian and an OUA all-star in 2021. In five seasons with the Gryphons, he amassed 122 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and three forced fumbles.

Pending CFL free agents can negotiate with teams across the league during the communication window, which closes on Sunday, February 8. Players can agree to terms on a contract with a particular franchise, however, the deals are not legally binding and can’t be made official until after free agency opens on Tuesday, February 10.

Allen was 3DownNation’s fourth-ranked pending free agent. He wrote a statement on social media after agreeing to terms in the nation’s capital.

Rider Nation – thank you.
I just wanted to say thank you.

Y’all gave me an opportunity when you drafted me. Ya’ll gave me an opportunity when I ran down on kick-off in my first game. Y’all gave me an opportunity to make my first tackle, make my first play, get my first sack, and so much more. You guys took me in as a city, as a province and as a team and pushed me to become a better A.J. than I was yesterday, every day.

The love is felt today as it was felt the first time I ran out that tunnel. Words cannot express how truly grateful 1 am to every single person involved in that part of my journey. So this is my attempt to express the same love you have shown me.

Thank you. For the memories, the opportunities, the friends, the lessons, the wins, the losses, and the genuine love you have shown. We are champions forever.
Now it’s time for my next journey. Ottawa, let’s get active.

#JustAKidFromBurlington
A.J. Allen