Neck guard sales jump after Sask. hockey player slashed by skate
18h ago
More adult players are now investing in the protective equipment.
A Roughriders fan favourite will be sporting new colours next season.
Defensive end Willie Jefferson has agreed to terms with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Jefferson, who spent the last two-and-a-half seasons in green and white, was the team’s most outstanding player and most outstanding defensive player in 2018 and a big part of the defence’s success.
Jefferson amassed 34 defensive tackles, 10 sacks, two interceptions, two touchdowns and two forced fumbles last season.
Defensive tackle Micah Johnson joins Rider Nation
The Roughriders have added one of the biggest names in free agency to its roster.
No, it’s not a quarterback, but defensive lineman Micah Johnson is a massive defensive addition for the club.
Multiple reports have Johnson joining the green and white, with TSN’s Matthew Scianitti saying he’s set to become the league’s highest-paid defensive player.
Hearing from #CFL sources that DL Micah Johnson is about to become the highest paid defensive player in the #CFL. That would put him above Adam Bighill’s contract that averages around 250K per year (750K over 3 years via @FarhanLaljiTSN) #CFLFA
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) February 12, 2019
Johnson has played his entire CFL career with the Calgary Stampeders. In 2018, Johnson collected 14 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. He was also named a western all-star for the third straight year.
Johnson is a two-time Grey Cup champion.
Adding to the run game
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are shoring up the run game, signing the league’s second-best rusher in 2018.
The club announced it has locked up former Ottawa Redblacks running back William Powell, signing him to a two-year deal that keeps him with the team through 2020.
Powell has been a top running back in the league the last two seasons, most recently rushing for 1,362 yards and six touchdowns for an average of 5.4 yards per carry.
The 30-year-old from Duncanville, Texas also added 319 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Powell is a two-time east division all-star. He won a Grey Cup with Ottawa in 2016.
Riders linebacker Cameron Judge seems to be on board with the signing, tweeting “Life got a bit easier come June.”
https://twitter.com/CameronJudge/status/1095380166858153989
Powell had a heck of a set of games against the Roughriders in 2018.
In June he had a total of 118 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. In September he had 148 yards rushing and two touchdowns, plus seven yards receiving.
Free Agent Tracker
According to a report from Justin Dunk of 3 Down Nation, the Roughriders signed linebacker Dyshawn Davis to a one-year deal. Davis spent three seasons in B.C., making 19 defensive tackles, 30 special teams tackles and one forced fumble in 22 games played.
Canadian receiver Brian Jones, who the Roughriders used sparingly on offence but a fair bit on special teams, is moving back east. Jones signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Check back to this page for updates on Roughriders moves throughout the day.