OTTAWA – The Ottawa REDBLACKS have added reinforcements to their practice roster, officially signing American defensive back Shakur Brown and wide receiver Easop Winston Jr., the team announced Wednesday.
Shakur Brown — Veteran Defensive Playmaker
Brown returns to Ottawa after making waves in training camp, where he recorded three pass deflections during the team’s preseason win over Montreal. The Michigan State alum has played across multiple leagues, suiting up for the Arlington Renegades (XFL) in 2023 and splitting time in 2022 with the Tennessee Titans and the Pittsburgh Maulers (USFL). His professional journey began in 2021 with stints on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Detroit Lions rosters.
At Michigan State, Brown compiled 54 tackles, 7 interceptions, and 9 pass breakups over 26 games, ranking eighth all-time in Spartans history with 186 interception return yards.
Easop Winston Jr. — Dynamic Receiving Threat
Winston brings speed and NFL experience to the REDBLACKS after spending last season with the Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets. He made one regular-season appearance with Seattle in 2023 and previously had stops with the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints, where he saw live game action in 2021.
Winston’s collegiate career was equally impressive. He hauled in 125 catches for 1,419 yards and 16 touchdowns over two seasons at Washington State (2018–2019), following a stellar run at City College of San Francisco, where he posted 133 receptions for 2,157 yards and 24 touchdowns across 22 games.
