After a bunch of signings, the Saskatchewan Roughriders announced a deletion Friday.
The Green and White released import strong-side linebacker Derrick Moncrief. The 30-year-old veteran was scheduled to hit free agency on February 13 but will now get to test the open market early. Moncrief began his C-F-L career with the Riders in 2017, playing three seasons, including a West Division all-star selection in 2019. The Oklahoma State product turned that success into N-F-L opportunities with Las Vegas and the L-A Rams, before returning to the C-F-L with Edmonton midway through the 2021 campaign. The Alabama product re-joined Saskatchewan the following off-season, expressing his desire to stay with the team long-term. He enjoyed another West Division all-star season in 2022 but his play declined in 2023, recording 50 defensive tackles in 14 games. Following is the news release from the Roughriders…..
DATE: January 5, 2024
RELEASE TIME: IMMEDIATELY
RELEASE: SR24-002
ROUGHRIDERS RELEASE DERRICK MONCRIEF
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released American defensive back Derrick Moncrief.
Moncrief spent five seasons in Green and White (2017-19, 2022-23) suiting up for 66 games and earning 225 defensive tackles, four sacks, nine interceptions and a forced fumble. He is a two-time West Division All-Star (2019, 2022) and a one-time CFL All-Star (2019). Moncrief turned his CFL All-Star season into an NFL opportunity, spending time with the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Rams in 2020-21. He also played nine games with the Edmonton Elks in 2021, notching 23 tackles and four sacks.
Off the field, Moncrief became a part of the Saskatchewan community and dedicated his time to giving back. As a Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation Player Ambassador last year, he traveled the province giving 40 presentations about mental health and wellness over a four-month period and reached more than 1,700 youth. He also participated in the Rider Reading program, took part in Grow the Game football camps and 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,” said Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Jeremy O’Day. “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.”
Moncrief was set to be a free agent on February 13th.
