The Ottawa Redblacks signed defensive back Shakur Brown and released wide receiver Russell Dixon on Thursday according to the CFL Transactions page.
Shakur Brown is five foot eleven and weighs 190 pounds. The 26-year-old from Stockbridge, Georgia, signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on April 10, 2024. In 2024, he made six tackles in two preseason games. The Ticats released him on June 1, 2024.
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Brown as an undrafted free agent on May 7, 2021. He also had stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions. On April 22, 2022, Brown signed with the Pittsburgh Maulers (USFL) making 36 tackles (23 solos, 13 assists), one tackle for loss, and one pass breakup in nine games.
After Pittsburgh, Brown signed with the Tennessee Titans but was waived from injured reserve. The Arlington Renegades signed Brown as a free agent on May 16, 2023. In 2023, he made 34 tackles (17 solos, 17 assists), one tackle for loss, three pass breakups, and one interception in nine games for the Arlington Renegades (XFL) in 2023.
Collegiately, Brown played three seasons at Michigan State (2018-20) making 54 tackles (38 solos, 16 assists), two tackles for loss, seven interceptions for 186 yards, one touchdown, and 16 pass breakups in 26 games for the Spartans. He finished his career ranked eighth in MSU history with 186 interception return yards.
Russell Dixon is six foot three and weighs 230 pounds. The 24-year-old from Edmonton, Alberta, was drafted by the Ottawa Redblacks in the eighth round (67th pick) in the 2024 CFL Draft. Dixon did not play in the 2024 preseason and was placed on the suspended list on June 2, 2024, as he was returning to school. He was set to join the Carleton Ravens in 2024 but did not play for them.
Collegiately, Dixon played three seasons at UConn (2019-22) making three catches for 28 yards in 15 games for the Huskies. Then, Dixon headed to the CJFL to play for the Edmonton Wildcats in 2023 making six catches for 27 yards and one tackle on special teams in two games.
