Ottawa Redblacks sign speedy free-agent receiver Kenny Shaw to dealk

OTTAWA – The Ottawa Redblacks dipped into free agency to replenish their solid receiving corps.

According to a league source, Ottawa signed Kenny Shaw on Tuesday, less than two hours after the noon ET start of free agency. Shaw, 25, had 77 catches for 1,004 yards and five TDs last season with the Toronto Argonauts.

The move fills a definite need for Ottawa with 1,000-yard receivers Ernest Jackson and Chris Williams both hitting the open market.

Jackson, Williams, Canadian Brad Sinopoli and Greg Ellingson all had over 1,000 yards receiving last season with the Grey Cup-champion Redblacks.

Before the start of free agency, Ottawa signed Canadian offensive lineman Nolan MacMillan to a one-year contract extension.

MacMillan was the first-ever player drafted by the Redblacks in 2013. The native of Arnprior, Ont., has played in 43 games with the CFL club.

“Nolan is an original Redblack and it is great to keep a player of his quality and character in a Redblacks uniform,” GM Marcel Desjardins said in a statement. “Nolan provides position flexibility and is a key component to our offensive line.”

A league source also said Ottawa released veteran kicker Chris Milo. The 30-year-old Montreal native had spent the last two seasons with the Redblacks, connecting on 47-of-58 field goals (81 per cent) while registering a 41.7-yard punting average.

But Milo didn’t play in either the East final or Ottawa’s 39-33 overtime Grey Cup win over Calgary due to injury.

“Big thanks to the #RNation fans for all their support in my 2 years here. Proud to have played & won a Grey Cup in Ottawa! #CFLFreeAgency,” Milo tweeted.