Defensive lineman Lorenzo Mauldin IV signs contract extension with Ottawa Redblacks

Defensive lineman Lorenzo Mauldin IV is staying put.

The CFL’s top defensive player last season was slated to become a free agent next month. But Mauldin signed a one-year contract extension to remain with the Ottawa Redblacks.

The six-foot-four, 259-pound Mauldin had a CFL-high 17 sacks last season, his first with Ottawa.

He also registered 43 tackles and two forced fumbles in 18 regular-season games.

“Lorenzo Mauldin is a player who gives everything he can every time he hits the field and is someone you don’t want to be playing against,” Redblacks GM Shawn Burke said in a statement. “He was last year’s most outstanding defensive player for a reason and we’re excited to see him take the next step in his career as a Redblack.”

Mauldin was also a CFL all-star in 2022.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 18, 2023.