Ottawa Redblacks Make a Move: Early Release of All-Star Adarius Pickett
The Ottawa Redblacks have made a strategic move, granting early release to star linebacker Adarius Pickett. This decision comes as a surprise to many, given Pickett's impressive performance and accolades.
In a statement, Vice-President of Football Operations Shawn Burke explained, 'After discussions with his agent, we've decided to release Adarius to allow him to explore free agency. We're grateful for his contributions to our team over the past two seasons, both on and off the field. We wish him success in his future endeavors.'
Pickett, a 29-year-old All-East Division player, had an outstanding 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Redblacks. Despite a torn Achilles late in the 2024 season, he still managed to record 136 defensive tackles, 28 special teams tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. His performance earned him the All-East Division title.
Born in Berkeley, California, Pickett has an impressive CFL career under his belt. He's played 79 regular-season games over five seasons with the Montreal Alouettes, Toronto Argonauts, and Redblacks, showcasing his versatility with 337 defensive tackles, 66 special teams tackles, 14 sacks, five forced fumbles, and four interceptions. Pickett's talent is further highlighted by his All-CFL and three-time All-East Division selections, as well as his nomination for Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2023 while playing for the Argonauts.
However, the Redblacks' 2025 season was a struggle, finishing fourth in the East Division with a 4-14 record and missing the playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons. The team's challenges were evident in their net offence ranking (sixth), net defence (fifth), and turnover differential (ninth). Despite these setbacks, Pickett remained a key player, leading the team with 84 tackles.
The Redblacks' attendance also took a hit, finishing eighth with an average crowd of 18,136, a 4.2% decrease from the previous year. This move by the Redblacks to release Pickett is a bold strategy, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering about the team's future direction and the impact of this decision on their playoff hopes.
