The Ottawa Redblacks operate under the CFL’s $6.065 million salary cap for 2025, featuring quarterback Dru Brown earning $354,700 hard money with $390,700 maximum after receiving a massive $185,000 signing bonus through his 2026 extension.
Ottawa signed three-time All-CFL receiver Eugene Lewis to $223,000 deal including $100,000 signing bonus, representing significant pay cut from his previous $320,000 Edmonton salary.
Head coach Bob Dyce signed one-year extension through 2026 after leading the Redblacks to 9-8-1 playoff berth in 2024, though 4-14 collapse in 2025 left his job security uncertain heading into offseason.
The organization maintains mid-tier spending while averaging 18,925 attendance at 24,000-capacity TD Place Stadium.
Learn more about the Ottawa Redblacks players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.
| Quarterbacks (QB) | Running Backs (RB) | Wide Receivers (WR) |
| Dru Brown | William Stanback | Eugene Lewis |
| Matt Shiltz | Daniel Adeboboye | Justin Hardy |
| Dustin Crum | Anthony Gosselin | Bralon Addison |
| Keelan White | ||
| Kalil Pimpleton | ||
| Marco Dubois | ||
| Devonte Dedmon |
Estimated Top 5 Highest-Paid Ottawa Redblacks Players
| Rank | Player | Position | Est. Salary (CAD) | Contract Type | Notes |
| 1 | Dru Brown | Quarterback | $354,700 | Through 2026 | $390K max, $185K signing bonus |
| 2 | Eugene Lewis | Receiver | $223,000 | Through 2026 | 3x All-CFL, $100K bonus |
| 3 | Adarius Pickett | Defensive Back | $160,000 | Multi-year | Highest-paid DB, $166K max |
| 4 | Peter Godber | Offensive Line | $145,000 | Multi-year | Starting center |
| 5 | William Stanback | Running Back | $106,500 | Through 2025 | 2x All-CFL, $20K bonus |
Dru Brown’s $354,700 hard money ranks 7th among CFL starting quarterbacks, with his 2026 salary escalating dramatically to $462,500 hard money and $471,500 maximum.
The 27-year-old Hawaii native received $185,000 signing bonus, Ottawa’s largest upfront payment in franchise history outside inaugural season spending. His two-year extension totals $817,200 hard money through 2026 with $862,200 maximum including playtime and statistical bonuses.
Eugene Lewis took $97,000 pay cut from his Edmonton salary ($320,000 to $223,000) joining Ottawa’s rebuild after catching 74 passes for 1,070 yards and league-leading 10 touchdowns in 2024.
The 31-year-old Norristown, Pennsylvania native’s contract includes $94,300 base salary, $100,000 signing bonus, $14,700 housing allowance, $10,000 marketing money, and $4,000 travel stipend. He can earn additional $3,000 if winning CFL Most Outstanding Player award, though odds remain slim for 4-14 team.
Ottawa Redblacks Coaching Staff & Management
Bob Dyce serves as head coach earning estimated $225,000-275,000 CAD annually after signing one-year extension through 2026 season in April 2025.
The 59-year-old Winnipeg native compiled 14-25-1 record across three seasons including breakthrough 9-8-1 playoff berth in 2024 before disastrous 4-14 collapse.
His job security remains uncertain despite contract extension, with team president Adrian Sciarra refusing to guarantee his return after missing 2025 playoffs.
General manager Shawn Burke commands estimated $225,000-300,000 annually after quiet contract extension through 2026 alongside Dyce.
The Guelph, Ontario native posted 21-50-1 record across four seasons since December 2021 hiring, including consecutive 4-14 disasters in 2022 and 2025 seasons.
Burke survived 2025 collapse retaining GM duties for 2026 despite widespread speculation surrounding potential termination.
Assistant coach salaries range $75,000-110,000 CAD annually, below league average as Ottawa cuts costs amid attendance struggles.
Total coaching staff budget estimated at $1.1-1.4 million represents CFL’s lower-middle tier, trailing Toronto ($1.8M), Montreal ($1.5M), and Hamilton ($1.4M) among East Division teams.
How CFL Salaries Work at Ottawa Redblacks
The CFL’s $6.065 million hard salary cap for 2025 increased $412,365 from 2024, allowing Ottawa upgrading quarterback position through Dru Brown’s extension despite financial constraints.
The Redblacks allocate approximately 5.8% of cap space to Brown’s quarterback position at $354,700 hard money, below league average 8-10% creating moderate savings versus elite QB spending by Toronto (Chad Kelly $615,000) and BC (Nathan Rourke $624,200).
Ottawa’s 2025 Balanced Investment Strategy:
- Dru Brown (QB): $354,700 – Mid-tier starter replacing expensive Jeremiah Masoli
- Eugene Lewis (WR): $223,000 – All-CFL target at bargain price
- Peter Godber (OL): $145,000 – Starting center protection
- William Stanback (RB): $106,500 – Two-time All-CFL veteran
- Total offensive core: ~$829,200 (13.7% of cap)
Ottawa’s balanced philosophy spreads 40-45% of salary cap across offensive starters, 40-45% on defensive roster, and remaining 10-15% on special teams depth.
The Redblacks avoid top-heavy spending unlike Hamilton’s receiver-focused approach ($512,000 Lawler+White combo) or Edmonton’s defensive investment ($895,000 Smith+Ceresna+Ford trio).
This strategy mirrors typical mid-market CFL teams prioritizing value contracts over star accumulation, though 4-14 record suggests insufficient talent acquisition regardless of spending distribution.
Dru Brown Contract Breakdown
Dru Brown signed two-year extension through 2026 earning $354,700 hard money for 2025 with $390,700 maximum compensation including bonuses.
His contract structure includes $185,000 signing bonus (largest in Ottawa history), base salary around $140,000, $15,000 marketing money, and $14,700 standard housing allowance.
Playtime incentives allow collecting additional $36,000 maximum if starting all 18 regular-season games and meeting snap-count thresholds.
Statistical bonuses include $2,000 for leading East Division in touchdown passes, $2,500 for league-leading TDs, $1,500 for leading division in passing yards, and $2,000 for league-leading yards.
All-star selections trigger $1,000 (All-East), $2,000 (All-CFL), or $3,000 (Most Outstanding Player) additional payments.
Brown’s 2026 compensation jumps dramatically to $462,500 hard money with $471,500 maximum, representing 30% salary increase rewarding 2024 playoff performance. His two-year deal totals $817,200 hard money through 2026 with $862,200 maximum potential.
The former Winnipeg backup threw 1,979 yards with 12 touchdowns and 6 interceptions across 10 games in 2025, failing to justify massive extension as Ottawa collapsed from playoff contender to 4-14 disaster.
Financial Reality for Ottawa Redblacks Players
Average Ottawa Redblacks salary approximates $105,000-115,000 CAD, below league average due to cost-conscious roster construction prioritizing value over star power.
Only 5-7 players earn above $160,000, with the Redblacks’ balanced spending avoiding top-heavy contracts outside quarterback and receiver positions.
Most offensive linemen earn $90,000-145,000 while defensive backs average $85,000-130,000 excluding Adarius Pickett’s $160,000 elite salary.
Ottawa benefits from relatively affordable cost of living compared to Toronto or Vancouver, with average rent around $1,850 monthly consuming 19-22% of rookie salaries versus 25-30% in Toronto.
However, Canada’s capital city offers fewer off-season employment opportunities than larger markets.
Off-season jobs remain necessary for 65-75% of roster earning under $115,000, with common positions including personal training, construction, sales, and coaching high school football during November-May offseason.
Players face pressure improving from 4-14 disaster while management maintains patient approach despite consecutive losing seasons.
TD Place Stadium’s 18,925 average attendance in 2024 ranked second-lowest in CFL ahead of only Toronto (15,127), creating revenue constraints limiting aggressive free agency spending compared to Hamilton, Montreal, and Saskatchewan.
FAQs
How much does Dru Brown make?
Dru Brown earns $354,700 hard money for 2025 with $390,700 maximum including bonuses through his two-year extension. His salary jumps to $462,500 in 2026 with $471,500 maximum, totaling $817,200 hard money through 2026 after receiving record $185,000 signing bonus.
What is Eugene Lewis’s salary?
Eugene Lewis earns $223,000 for 2025 through 2026, taking $97,000 pay cut from his previous $320,000 Edmonton salary. His contract includes $94,300 base salary, $100,000 signing bonus, $14,700 housing allowance, $10,000 marketing money, and $4,000 travel stipend.
Why did Eugene Lewis take a pay cut?
Eugene Lewis accepted $97,000 pay cut from $320,000 to $223,000 joining Ottawa after Edmonton declined matching. The 31-year-old three-time All-CFL receiver prioritized opportunity remaining starting receiver versus backup role elsewhere at higher salary.
Can Ottawa Redblacks players make a living year-round?
Only top 5-7 earners like Dru Brown ($354K) and Eugene Lewis ($223K) avoid off-season jobs. Most players earning $80,000-115,000 require secondary employment during November-May offseason, though Ottawa’s capital city location provides government and business opportunities unavailable in smaller CFL markets.
