The Ottawa Redblacks signed former University of Montreal defensive lineman Philippe Lemieux-Cardinal on Friday.
The 26-year-old from Montreal, Quebec, went undrafted in the 2022 CFL Draft and returned to the Carabins for his final season. He made 17 tackles, 5.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, and two pass breakups in seven games.
The Carabins finished in second place with a 6-2 record and lost the Dunsmore Cup to Laval 25-24. Lemieux-Cardinal was named U Sports Second All-Star and RSEQ All-Star Defensive Team in 2022.
In 2021, Lemieux-Cardinal had 13.5 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in seven games. He was named U Sports First All-Star Team, RSEQ Lineman of the Year, and RSEQ All-Star Defensive Team.
Lemieux-Cardinal played five seasons with the Carabins (2017-19, 2021-21) with 72.5 tackles, 20.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, seven pass breakups, one interception, and one touchdown. His one interception came in 2018 against Concordia and returned it for a 78-yard touchdown in a 75-3 win.