Breaking news: Ottawa Redblacks complete trade with Toronto Argonauts for rights to Luiji Vilain

The Ottawa Redblacks have secured the rights to Canadian defensive lineman Luiji Vilain after completing a trade with the Toronto Argonauts.

As part of the deal, Toronto receives a third-round selection in the 2026 CFL Draft (23rd overall) along with a conditional third-round pick in 2027, which could upgrade to a second-rounder if Vilain agrees to sign. Ottawa, in return, also acquires a fourth-round pick in this year’s draft, 31st overall.

Redblacks head coach and general manager Ryan Dinwiddie praised the move, highlighting Vilain’s quality and how he fits into the team’s long-term vision. He emphasized that adding a player of Vilain’s ability is a major opportunity, noting that his status as a Canadian player who can perform at a high level offers added roster flexibility.

Vilain was originally selected by the Argonauts in the third round of the 2021 CFL Draft but has spent much of his early professional career in the NFL. Most recently, he became a free agent in July 2025 after being released by the Dallas Cowboys.

Before that, the Ottawa-born defender had stints with several NFL teams. He initially signed with the Minnesota Vikingsas an undrafted free agent in 2022, appearing in three games and recording four tackles during his rookie season. He was later waived in 2023 and picked up by the Carolina Panthers, featuring briefly for both franchises that year. In 2024, he also spent time on the practice roster of the Cleveland Browns before joining Dallas.

Standing at six-foot-four and weighing 252 pounds, Vilain began his college career at the University of Michigan, where his opportunities were limited.

He later transferred to Wake Forest University in 2021, where he enjoyed a breakout season, registering 34 tackles, nine tackles for loss, eight sacks, and multiple forced turnovers—performances that helped him earn his shot in the NFL.