Ottawa Redblacks add Northwestern quarterback to negotiation list

Photo courtesy: Northwestern Athletics

The Ottawa Redblacks have added American quarterback Aidan Chiles to their exclusive negotiation list.

Chiles is in his fourth season of collegiate eligibility at Northwestern University. Through five games this year, he has completed 80-of-112 pass attempts (71.4 percent) for 1,172 yards, nine touchdowns, and no interceptions. The six-foot-four, 225-pound pivot has also rushed for 73 yards and six touchdowns, helping the Wildcats to a 4-1 record.

The native of Long Beach, Cal., was a consensus four-star recruit who originally committed to Oregon State University in 2023. He transferred to Michigan State University the following year, where he spent two seasons as the starter. Chiles has appeared in 35 career games and made 25 starts, posting a combined 12-13 record with the Beavers, Spartans, and Wildcats. He has completed 63 percent of his passes for 5,288 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, while rushing for 604 yards and 18 majors.

Under the NCAA’s recent rule changes, Chiles can play one additional college season. The 21-year-old will be eligible for the 2028 NFL Draft, unless he chooses to declare early this year.

CFL teams can claim the rights to up to 45 players via the negotiation list on a first-come, first-served basis, provided that they are not eligible for the Canadian or Global Drafts, and do not have CFL veteran status. These players can be added, traded, or removed from the list at any time.

Being added to a negotiation list does not mean that the player has expressed interest in the CFL, and some are unaware that their rights have even been claimed. Players can only force their removal from the list if the team does not provide them with a minimum contract offer at their request.

The Redblacks (0-16) will host the Toronto Argonauts (9-7) on Friday, October 16, at 7:00 p.m. EDT.