The Ottawa Redblacks released linebacker Zachary Philion and defensive back Bentlee Sanders from the practice squad on Thursday according to the CFL Transactions page.
Zachary Philion is six foot one and weighs 221 pounds. The 26-year-old from Buffalo, New York, re-signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on November 19, 2024. He attended training camp and was released on May 10, 2025.
The Ottawa Redblacks signed Philion to the practice squad on August 17, 2025. In 2025, he made one tackle on special teams in one game against the Edmonton Elks.
The Ottawa Redblacks drafted Philion in the seventh round (58th pick) in the 2024 CFL Draft. Philion appeared in two preseason games for the Redblacks recording no stats. After the preseason, he was placed on the practice squad.
The Redblacks released Philion on June 19, 2024. The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed Philion on August 13, 2024. He appeared in one game for the Roughriders in 2024 recording no stats. The Roughriders released him on August 31, 2024.
Saskatchewan re-signed Philion on September 27, 2024. He appeared in two more games making one tackle on special teams. The Roughriders released him on October 25, 2024. He re-signed with the Roughriders on October 26, 2024. He played two additional games in 2024 making one tackle on special teams. The Roughriders released him again on November 10, 2024.
Collegiately, Philion played one season at New Mexico Military Institute in 2019 making nine tackles (6 solos, 3 assists), one interception, and two pass breakups in eight games for the Broncos.
Then, he transferred to Concordia (2021-23) making 103 tackles (69 solos, 34 assists), 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception for two yards, 10 pass breakups, and one forced fumble in 24 games for the Stingers.
Bentlee Sanders is five foot nine and weighs 175 pounds. The 26-year-old from Tampa, Florida, signed with the Calgary Stampeders on January 18, 2024. In 2024, he made 45 tackles, one interception, and two forced fumbles in 16 games. Sanders did not see any game action in 2025.
The Stampeders released him on August 3, 2025. The Ottawa Redblacks signed Sanders to the practice squad on August 18, 2025. In 2025, he dressed for one game and did not see any action.
Sanders attended the Philadelphia Eagles rookie minicamp in 2023. Next, the D.C. Defenders drafted him in the 2023 XFL Rookie Draft before the XFL merged with the USFL to become the United Football League (UFL).
Collegiately, Sanders played four seasons at the University of South Florida (2017-20) with 94 tackles (68 solos, 26 assists), 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions for 43 yards, one touchdown, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles, 36 kick returns for 880 yards, and three punt returns for eight yards in 32 games for the Bulls. He was named Second Team All-AAC by Phil Steele as a kick returner in 2018.
Then, Sanders transferred to Nevada (2021-22) making 69 tackles (51 solos, 18 assists), three tackles for loss, four interceptions for 34 yards, one touchdown, seven pass breakups, one forced fumble, 13 kick returns for 233 yards, and 11 punt returns for 110 yards in 20 games for the Wolfpack. He was named First Team All-WAC in 2022.
