OTTAWA – The Ottawa REDBLACKS have bolstered their defensive unit by acquiring American linebacker Nyles Morgan from the Edmonton Elks in a draft-pick swap announced on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
In the deal, Ottawa receives linebacker Nyles Morgan, along with a 2026 CFL Draft third-round pick (23rd overall) and a fifth-round pick (41st overall). In return, the Edmonton Elks receive a 2026 third-round pick (21st overall) and a fourth-round pick (35th overall).
The trade provides the Elks with additional early-round draft capital, positioning them for a projected four selections inside the top 21 of the 2026 draft (including a compensatory second-rounder for leading the league in snaps by National players in the prior season). Edmonton plans to build around their emerging linebacking group, featuring 2024 CFL Most Outstanding Rookie Nick Anderson and 2024 first-overall draft pick Joel Dublanko, who stepped up in 2025 amid injuries to Anderson and Morgan.
“Nyles is a player who I’ve enjoyed watching from afar over the past several seasons and I’m excited to have him as a key piece of our defence moving forward into next season,” said Ryan Dinwiddie, Head Coach and General Manager of the Ottawa REDBLACKS. “He has been a premier linebacker in this league for a number of years, combining elite athleticism, football IQ and natural leadership. We’re looking forward to what he will bring to our football club both on and off the field.”
Morgan, 29, a 6-foot, 230-pound native of Chicago, Illinois, spent his first five CFL seasons exclusively with the Edmonton Elks (2021-2025), appearing in 62 games. He accumulated 386 total tackles (377 defensive), seven quarterback sacks, one interception, and four forced fumbles. The Notre Dame product was a standout performer, surpassing 100 tackles in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons — including a league-leading 111 defensive tackles in 2024. He earned team honors as the Elks’ nominee for Most Outstanding Rookie (2021) and Defensive Player (2024).
In the 2025 season, Morgan played in 11 games before a season-ending leg injury, recording 52 defensive tackles and one forced fumble.Prior to his CFL career, Morgan had brief stints in the NFL with the Chicago Bears (2018) and Tennessee Titans (2018).
Morgan is under contract for the 2026 CFL season and is expected to provide immediate veteran leadership and production to Ottawa’s linebacker corps as the REDBLACKS prepare for the upcoming campaign. The trade underscores Ottawa’s commitment to strengthening their defense with proven talent ahead of the new season.
