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The Ottawa Redblacks have re-signed veteran Canadian kicker Lewis Ward.
The 33-year-old was originally released by the Redblacks in April while on his honeymoon, ending an eight-year run with the organization. 3DownNation reported that the move was made ahead of a $10,000 report-and-pass bonus, though he will still collect the $15,000 in guaranteed money included in his original contract for 2027.
Ward subsequently spent two weeks on the Montreal Alouettes’ practice roster, but did not see game action. He has been a free agent since June 30.
The University of Ottawa product struggled in 2025, connecting on just 35-of-46 field goal attempts (76.1 percent). In 117 regular-season CFL games with the Redblacks, he converted 300-of-347 field goal attempts (86.5 percent) with a career-long of 56 yards. He also connected on 140-of-151 convert attempts (92.7 percent).
Ward was named the league’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player and Most Outstanding Rookie in 2018. That same season, he earned All-CFL honours after converting 51-of-52 field goal attempts (98.1 percent) with a long of 52 yards. He also set a professional football record when he converted 69 consecutive field goals across the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
Brett Lauther, who replaced Ward in Ottawa, has yet to miss a field goal attempt this season, sitting perfect through 20 kicks. It is unclear if Ward’s reacquisition is injury-related.
The Redblacks also signed American running back Kevin Harris.
The 25-year-old was originally a sixth-round selection, 183rd overall, in the 2022 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He played nine games for the team over three seasons, posting 34 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown, while adding three receptions for 58 yards. The five-foot-10, 221-pound back spent training camp with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025, but did not make the final roster.
Prior to his NFL career, Harris attended the University of South Carolina, where he played 28 games over three seasons. He posted 358 carries for 1,976 yards and 23 touchdowns, earning first-team All-SEC honours in 2020.
The Ottawa Redblacks (0-6) were on a bye in Week 8. They return to action on Friday, July 31, when they host the Montreal Alouettes.
