With rookie camps already underway and training camps right around the corner, CFL football is officially back.
As teams start their preparation for the 2026 season beginning June 4 on TSN, every franchise has one big question heading into the new campaign that needs to be answered.
Is Dru Brown the answer at quarterback?
After making the Grey Cup in three of the first five years of the team’s existence – including winning in 2016 – it’s been virtually all downhill for the organization.
The team has had one playoff appearance since 2019 – in which they allowed 58 points and lost by 20 to the Toronto Argonauts in 2024 – and have put up a dismal 27-76-1 record.
Brown has been at the helm for the Redblacks for the past two seasons, and now enters the final year of his contract after completing 68.8 per cent of his passes for 6,348 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions in 24 starts.
Injuries have been an issue, as the 29-year-old has missed a third of his starts (12) since Ottawa acquired him from Winnipeg. Brown only made nine starts last season after missing games dealing with hip, neck, and knee injuries.
These ailments aren’t necessarily his fault, as the offensive line play has been poor since his arrival. Despite the offensive line allowing the most sacks over the past two seasons (87), Brown’s 3.7 per cent sack rate over that span is actually the lowest among qualified quarterbacks, showcasing his maneuverability around the pocket as he was able to help mitigate the poor pass protection.
With the team bringing back Dino Boyd, signing Martez Ivey and Sean McEwen, as well as drafting Giordano Vaccaro first overall, Ryan Dinwiddie has made a considerable effort to improve the unit.
Speaking of Dinwiddie, who after leading the Argos to two Grey Cup championships, four consecutive East finals, and a 51-35 record, will look to sprinkle some fairy dust on Brown. The former QB coach has helped numerous pivots throughout his career reach new heights, and Brown is next in line to potentially take a jump.
The Palo Alto, Calif. native pushes the ball downfield (second-most throws of 20-plus yards last season) and makes tight-window throws, and will now have even more weapons around him.
The team brought in Greg Bell from Hamilton as a more dynamic option at running back. Ayden Eberhardt joins a receiver room that still features Eugene Lewis, Justin Hardy, and Kalil Pimpleton, while reigning Hec Crighton winner Ethan Jordan joins a Canadian wideout core of two recent top-three picks in Keelan White and Nick Mardner.
This is by far the best supporting cast Brown has had around him in the nation’s capital as he enters 2026 in a prove-it year after showing flashes. The Redblacks are trying to get back to the success they had a decade ago, and finding out if Brown is the guy that can get them back to those winning ways is priority No.1.
