Ottawa Redblacks Get New Player Martez Ivey

The Ottawa Redblacks have signed Martez Ivey, a player who plays on the offensive line. He used to play for the Edmonton Elks but they let him go. The Redblacks are making many changes to their team.
By Newsroom | Canadian Football League, Ottawa |

Transition and Roster Adjustment in the Canadian Football League

The recent movements within the Canadian Football League (CFL) highlight a period of significant player transactions, particularly concerning the Ottawa Redblacks and the Edmonton Elks. A notable development is the acquisition of offensive lineman Martez Ivey by the Redblacks. This acquisition follows his release from the Elks, a team with which he had previously signed a contract extension.

Background of Martez Ivey's CFL Tenure

Martez Ivey's journey in the CFL has seen him emerge as a recognized talent. He was recognized as an All-CFL West Division honouree, an accolade underscoring his performance.

  • Edmonton Elks: Ivey was a key member of the Elks' offensive line. Reports indicate his presence was instrumental in the team's leading performance in rushing yards during the 2025 season, averaging 131.4 yards per game. The team also reported the fewest sacks allowed in the league, a statistic directly linked to offensive line strength.

  • Contract Extension: In January 2025, the Edmonton Elks announced a two-year contract extension for Ivey. This action suggested a commitment to retaining his services.

  • Release: Despite the extension, the Edmonton Elks subsequently released Martez Ivey. The exact timing and circumstances surrounding this release are not detailed in the provided summaries.

Ottawa Redblacks' Roster Activity

The Ottawa Redblacks have been actively engaged in bolstering their roster. This initiative appears to be part of a broader strategy to overhaul the team.

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  • Recent Signings: In addition to Ivey, the Redblacks have announced several other player acquisitions. These include linebacker A.J. Allen, linebacker Michael Brodrique, receiver Ayden Eberhardt, quarterback Jake Maier, and defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado. Other reported signings include former NFL draft picks Andy Isabella and Brian Cole II.

  • Team Performance Context: Information regarding the Redblacks' recent performance in the 2025 season suggests a challenging year, with a record of 4 wins and 12 losses cited in a game log summary. This context may inform the team's aggressive approach to roster adjustments.

Analysis of Player Movement

The transition of a player like Martez Ivey from one CFL team to another, particularly after a contract extension, prompts inquiry into the underlying factors.

Elks' Strategic Shift

What led to the Edmonton Elks' decision to release Martez Ivey shortly after extending his contract?

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  • The team's stated rationale for Ivey's release is not available in the provided reports.

  • The Elks' offensive line was recognized for its performance in rushing and pass protection, raising questions about the immediate need to part ways with a key component.

Redblacks' Roster Reinforcement

How does the acquisition of Martez Ivey fit into the Ottawa Redblacks' broader strategy?

  • The Redblacks are undertaking a significant roster overhaul, evidenced by multiple new signings.

  • The signing of Ivey, an established offensive lineman, suggests a focus on strengthening the offensive front.

Conclusion

The recent acquisition of Martez Ivey by the Ottawa Redblacks represents a notable player movement within the CFL. This event is situated within a broader context of team-specific roster adjustments, with the Redblacks appearing to proactively modify their personnel. The circumstances leading to Ivey's release from the Edmonton Elks, particularly following a contract extension, warrant further investigation to fully understand the dynamics at play. The Redblacks' continued engagement in free agency indicates an ongoing effort to reshape their team for upcoming seasons.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Martez Ivey?
Martez Ivey is a player who plays on the offensive line in the Canadian Football League. He was named to the All-CFL West Division team.
Q: Why did the Edmonton Elks let him go?
The news reports do not say why the Elks released him. This happened even though they had given him a new contract.
Q: What are the Ottawa Redblacks doing?
The Redblacks are making many changes to their team. They have signed many new players to try and improve the team.
Q: Was Martez Ivey good for the Elks?
Yes, he was an important player for the Elks' offensive line. The team was good at running the ball and protecting their quarterback when he was there.