Carolina Panthers linebacker Luiji Vilain (43) runs on the field during the first half of a pre-season NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, N.Y., Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

By The Canadian Press

Ottawa Redblacks sign Canadian Luiji Vilain to three-year deal

Apr 27, 2026 | 11:24 AM

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Redblacks signed Canadian defensive lineman Luiji Vilain to a three-year contract Monday.

Ottawa acquired Vilain’s rights last week from the Toronto Argonauts.

Vilain, a 28-year-old Ottawa native, played five games over two NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings (2022-23) and Carolina Panthers (2023), registering four total tackles.

He also spent time with the Cleveland Browns (2024) and Dallas Cowboys (2024-25).

Toronto selected the six-foot-four, 250-pound Vilain in the third round (No. 25 overall) of the 2021 CFL draft. He finished his NCAA career at Wake Forest in 2021 with 34 tackles (10 for loss), a team-leading nine sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

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Vilain began at Michigan, appearing in 12 games over two seasons (2019-20) with 11 tackles (one for loss) and a forced fumble.

“I can say I’m extremely happy to be back home representing my city, my community and the Redblacks,” Vilain said in a statement. “Ottawa is my home, it’s where I grew up.

“It’s where my family is. I always knew that I would play in the CFL at some point in my career, and deep down I always wanted it to be Ottawa, so for that to happen it’s honestly a dream come true.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 27, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Ottawa Redblacks sign Canadian Luiji Vilain to three-year deal

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