Roughriders announce release of veteran Moncrief

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released veteran linebacker/defensive back Derrick Moncrief.

The CFL team announced the transaction Friday. Moncrief, 30, was eligible to become a free agent Feb. 13.

When God says move, it’s that time to do so! Thanking God for a great time in the @sskroughriders organization. I could write a book about my experiences in the prairies but that’ll come later. God bless, I’m ready for the next opportunity!! #2024TakeOver @CFL @iconsports360 pic.twitter.com/oy0I8GLZx2

— derrick moncrief (@DMONCRIEF42) January 5, 2024

A product of Prattville, Ala., Moncrief joined the Roughriders in 2017 after playing collegiately at Oklahoma State University.

He went on to play five seasons with Saskatchewan (2017-19, 2022-23), appearing in 66 regular-season games and compiling 225 defensive tackles, nine interceptions, four sacks and a forced fumble. He was named a West Division all-star twice (2019, 2022) and a CFL all-star once (2019).

After stints with the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Rams in 2020 and ’21, Moncrief returned to the CFL in 2021 and played nine games with the Edmonton Elks. He recorded 23 tackles and four sacks for Edmonton that season, then returned to Saskatchewan as a free agent in 2022.

Last season, he had 50 defensive tackles and one special-teams stop in 14 regular-season games for the Green and White. He was supplanted as the starting strong-side linebacker by C.J. Reavis, who recently signed a contract extension.

The Roughriders noted in a release that Moncrief was a contributor off the field as well. The club said he travelled around the province as a Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation Player Ambassador last year, giving 40 presentations about mental health and wellness over a four-month period.

He also was a participant in the Rider Reading program and Grow the Game football camps. As a result, he was named the 2023 Mosaic Community Player of the Year.

“Derrick represented the Saskatchewan Roughriders with pride for five seasons and we were fortunate to have someone of his character as part of our organization,” Jeremy O’Day, the Roughriders’ vice-president of football operations and general manager, said in the release.

“Not only was he a two-time all-star, but he was a strong community role model through his work with the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation. We wish him all the best in the future.”