Riders shoring up LB corps with Moncrief, Sankey signings

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have made two big signings at the linebacker position, according to TSN Insiders.

The Riders are bringing in standout rookie linebacker Darnell Sankey, as first reported by TSN’s Dave Naylor.

Darnell Sankey to the @sskroughriders is done. #CFL #Riders

— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 8, 2022

Sankey spent the 2021 season with the Calgary Stampeders, leading the CFL in tackles.

“I will say that I am a very aggressive, relentless pursuit, downhill linebacker,” said Darnell Sankey. “I would like to give 100 per cent effort every single play.”

A west division all-star, Sankey hopes to have another record setting season in 2022.

“I think that [is] something I can obtain again, especially in a longer season,” said Sankey. “Last year was my first year in the CFL and I think I only have room to grow.”

Sankey adds that signing with the Riders was an easy decision.

“it’s just that vibe just reminded me so much of being down south and just the fan base look crazy and the games looked amazing,” said Sankey

TSN’s Farhan Lalji also reported linebacker Derrick Moncrief will be rejoining the Green and White, after spending 2021 with the Edmonton Elks.

Hearing LB Derrick Moncrief is headed back to #Riders @CFLonTSN #CFLFA pic.twitter.com/JjQF9LUFqz

— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 8, 2022

Moncrief spent the first three seasons of his CFL career with the Riders, from 2017-19. The Riders said Moncrief’s contract is a two-year deal.

“I come from a small hometown Prattville, Alabama, it just reminds me of that, just football,” said Moncrief. “Nothing to crazy within the city limits, I just feel very comfortable here.”

The Alabama product amassed 23 tackles and four sacks in nine games with the Elks in 2021.

Tuesday marked the first day of the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) free agency period.

General Manager Jeremy O’Day said he is spending to the salary cap to ensure the team is competitive.

“I spend to the cap every year,” said O’Day. “If I didn’t spend to the cap I would be doing this team a disservice and the team wouldn’t be in a position to be successful.”

O’Day added that after a successful season it can be difficult to re-sign players.

“We are trying to put the best team together we can that’s possible and take a run at the cup again and add some pieces that can get us over the hump,” said O’Day.

OL ST. JOHN RE-SIGNS

The Riders announced the extension of Canadian offensive lineman Josiah St. John.

St. John played 14 regular season games in 2021, making one start at left guard.

Staying home.

🇨🇦 OL, @BigStJo has signed a contract extension.#CFLFA

— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) February 8, 2022

NOTABLE DEPARTURES

Veteran defensive back Ed Gainey was signed by the Edmonton Elks after spending the past five seasons in Saskatchewan. Canadian defensive lineman Makana Henry also signed with the Elks.

William Powell, the Riders’ leading rusher in 2021, is returning to the Ottawa Redblacks after two seasons with the Green and White.

In another big departure from the defensive backfield, defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy signed with the BC Lions.