Carolina Panthers linebacker Luiji Vilain runs a drill at the NFL football team's practice in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

By The Canadian Press

Ottawa Redblacks acquire rights to DL Vilain in deal with Toronto Argonauts

Apr 21, 2026 | 9:25 AM

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Redblacks acquired the rights to Canadian defensive lineman Luiji Vilain from the Toronto Argonauts on Tuesday.

Ottawa also picked up a 2026 fourth-round pick (No. 31 overall) in the CFL draft in the deal. Toronto acquired a 2026 pick (No. 23 overall) and a conditional 2027 third-round selection.

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.

“Any time you have the opportunity to add a player of this calibre, it’s something you jump at,” said Ryan Dinwiddie, Ottawa’s head coach and general manager. “Luiji is a high-level talent who fits the identity we want to build on the field.

“On top of that, him being a national player who can perform at a high level adds valuable flexibility to our roster.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 21, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Ottawa Redblacks acquire rights to DL Vilain in deal with Toronto Argonauts

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