The Ottawa REDBLACKS made a big splash ahead of free agency, today, signing CFL All-Star defensive back Adarius Pickett to a one-year contract.
“We are excited to welcome Adarius to RNation,” said REDBLACKS General Manager Shawn Burke. “His talent and production, both with the passion he brings on and off the field made it an easy decision for us to get this deal done.”
After two seasons with the Montreal Alouettes, the 27-year-old Pickett suited up for the Toronto Argonauts in 2023, his most productive year to date. The Berkeley, California product appeared in all 18 games, finishing second in the CFL with 124 tackles, adding six sacks, and a forced fumble. He was named an All-Star for the first time, following the season.
“The Party Starter is in the nation’s capital, it’s about to be lit! I’m bringing high energy, physicality, and leadership. I came to Ottawa to reunite with B-Miles, he was my first DB coach in the CFL. Who better to coach me again than a CFL Hall of Famer,” Pickett said. “Coach Dyce has always shown me major respect being on opposing sidelines, so being on the same sideline intrigued me. Ottawa is ready to win now, and I think I can help take them to that next level. God has blessed me with this opportunity and I plan to maximize it.”
Pickett played his collegiate career at UCLA, and went on to spend time with the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Chargers, and New England Patriots, before moving north of the border in 2021. He played 30 games with the Als from 2021 through 2022, totaling 115 tackles, five sacks, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles.
The Ottawa REDBLACKS made a big move ahead of the start of free agency today by signing CFL All-Star defensive back Adarius Pickett to a one-year contract .
“We are thrilled to welcome Adarius to RNation,” said REDBLACKS General Manager Shawn Burke. “His talent and production, as well as the passion he brings both on and off the field, made our decision to enter into this agreement easy.”
After two seasons with the Montreal Alouettes, Pickett, 27, suited up for the Toronto Argonauts in 2023, his most productive year to date. The Berkeley, Calif., product appeared in all 18 games, finishing second in the CFL with 124 tackles, six sacks and a forced fumble. He was named an All-Star for the first time after the season.
“The Party Starter is in the nation’s capital, it’s about to be lit! I’m going to bring a lot of energy, physicality and leadership. I came to Ottawa to reunite with B-Miles, who was my first defenseman coach in the CFL. Who better than a CFL Hall of Famer to coach me again,” Pickett said. “Coach Dyce always gave me a lot of respect when I was on the opposing sideline, so being on the same sideline intrigued me. Ottawa is ready to win now, and I I think I can help them reach the next level. God gave me this opportunity and I plan to maximize it.”
Pickett played his college career at UCLA, then spent time with the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots, before moving north of the border in 2021. He played in 30 games with the Als from 2021 to 2022, totaling 115 tackles, five sacks, two interceptions and three forced fumbles.
