Riders' defensive backfield bolstered with signing of CFL all-star
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have a new CFL all-star in the lineup.
Defensive back Marcus Sayles was signed by the Riders Tuesday after the B.C. Lions surprisingly cut him during the weekend.
Sayles spent the last three seasons with the Lions as a starter, where he was named a CFL all-star in 2022.
"I want to be with an organization that's going to win," said Sayles, adding there were a number of teams who contacted him.
"I want to be with an organization where I feel like I can contribute and bring a Grey Cup home."
Marcus Sayles says the Roughriders were the best fit for himself and his family. (Adam Bent/CBC)
Sayles also spent two years with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and had stops in the NFL with Minnesota, Buffalo and Los Angeles.
Riders head coach Corey Mace said it was a shock to find out Sayles was available and the deal to bring him to Regina happened very quickly.
"That veteran presence will definitely help," Mace said of Sayles.
"He's had success with the ball in the air … certainly I think in this defence he'll be able to get back to his ball hawking days."
In his three seasons in B.C., Sayles had 158 tackles, two sacks, six interceptions and two forced fumbles over 49 games.
The 5-foot-9 defensive halfback will have to get up to speed in a hurry as the Riders open the regular season Saturday afternoon in Edmonton against the Elks.
"Football is still going to be the same here, [just] different terminology, different language," Sayles said. "I've been playing for a long time and I pretty much know what goes into football. So once I get to know these plays, I'm ready to go."
Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Corey Mace says defensive back Marcus Sayles brings a veteran presence to the backfield. (Adam Bent/CBC)
Family atmosphere
Mace said with so many veterans, the team is developing a family-type atmosphere.
"From just guys bringing their kids around to the guys spending time with each other on off days — even when I bring my family around, the interaction that they have with my wife, my kids, it's perfect," Mace said.
"To see how they act when they're not fighting and battling with each other, knowing that's the core and the foundation of who we are, you get excited."
With new coaching staff, Mace said it was important to bring in players who are not only great on the field, but can instill a winning culture and work ethic off the field.
Game time in Edmonton is 2 p.m. CST on Saturday.
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