Saskatchewan Roughriders sign Eric Norwood and Clarence Denmark, drop 5 players

As the training camp edges closer, the Roughriders’ roster is beginning to take shape.

The green and white announced three signings on Friday afternoon, including the much-speculated addition of defensive lineman Eric Norwood.  

Veteran import CFL receivers Clarence Denmark and Alec Lemon also came to terms with the club.

Norwood joins the Roughriders after three seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Norwood is currently recovering from a torn ACL, sustained in the eastern semifinal with no timetable on his return. Considered one of the league’s best pass rushers, his release last week came as a surprise to many. In just 10 games last year, Norwood registered 30 defensive tackles, seven quarterback sacks and two fumble recovers – which he returned for touchdowns.

Denmark joins Saskatchewan for his sixth CFL season after spending five with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He’s played 88 regular season games, good for 306 receptions, more than 4,100 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was a league all-star in 2014.

Alec Lemon will become second player with that surname on the team, joining defensive lineman Shawn Lemon. The 6’2”, 207 lbs Alec Lemon gave the NFL a try with the Texans and the Ravens before signing with the green and white. In college he was Syracrause University’s all-time reception leader, netting 2,596 yards and 18 touchdowns on 201 receptions.

The Roughriders also announced the release of five players:

• National receiver Alex Carroll
• National running back Brandon Deschamps
• National fullback Carl Fitzgerald
• International defensive lineman Sage Harold
• International running back Stephen Houston