The Ottawa Redblacks have strengthened their lineup by signing two former NFL draft selections, wide receiver Andy Isabella and defensive lineman Jordan Smith. Both bring extensive professional experience as the team looks to improve following a disappointing previous season.
Andy Isabella’s NFL Journey and Collegiate Achievements
Andy Isabella entered the NFL as a second-round pick, 62nd overall, by the Arizona Cardinals during the 2019 draft. Over five NFL seasons, he appeared in 43 games for the Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills, accumulating 33 catches for 447 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Isabella also spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers, as well as a stint in the UFL with the St. Louis Battlehawks. Throughout his NFL career, Isabella earned $10.6 million.
Before turning professional, Isabella made a mark at the University of Massachusetts, where he led the NCAA in receiving yards and was named a consensus All-American in 2018. Across 45 collegiate games, he recorded 231 receptions for 3,526 yards and 30 touchdowns, adding 342 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Jordan Smith’s Path Through College and Professional Football
Defensive lineman Jordan Smith was selected in the fourth round, 121st overall, by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021. Smith’s NFL tenure included two games and one tackle before he moved on to play with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Throughout his NFL time, Smith earned more than $1.8 million. He is originally from Lithonia, Georgia, and was released by the Roughriders after rookie camp last season.
Smith’s college career began at the University of Florida but was interrupted due to suspension linked to a credit card fraud investigation. He later played at Butler Community College before completing his collegiate career at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. During 23 games at UAB, he totaled 96 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and an interception, earning second-team All-C-USA honors in 2019 and first-team in 2020.
Additional Roster Update and Previous Season’s Performance
Separately, receiver Robert Lewis was moved to Ottawa’s retired list in a transaction unrelated to the signings. The Redblacks ended the 2025 season fourth in the East Division with a 4-14 record, missing the playoffs for the fifth time in six years. Quarterbacks Dru Brown and Dustin Crum shared starting duties, with Brown completing nine starts, throwing 14 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, and Crum starting six games with six touchdowns and two interceptions.
The team’s offense ranked sixth in net yards, defense was fifth-best, but their turnover differential was a concerning minus-16. Leading contributors included William Stanback with 698 rushing yards, Justin Hardy with 1,019 receiving yards, and Adarius Pickett with 84 tackles. Attendance declined slightly, with an average of 18,136 fans per game, down 4.2 percent from the previous year.
Implications for the Redblacks’ Upcoming Season
By adding Andy Isabella, a receiver known for his speed and collegiate success with the Minutemen, along with the experienced Jordan Smith, the Redblacks aim to address key defensive and offensive needs. These acquisitions suggest a reflective approach as the team contemplates ending its playoff drought and improving upon uneven performances. The integration of these seasoned players could be crucial as Ottawa seeks to regain competitiveness in the East Division.
