The Saskatchewan Roughriders have a corresponding roster move to make after the Green and White announced the signing of veteran import defensive back Marcus Sayles on Tuesday.
Sayles was released by the B.C. Lions following training camp. The 5’9″, 176-pound Georgia product suited up in all 18 games with the Leos in 2023. The 29-year-old had a career year with B-C in 2022, named a C-F-L all-star. He was previously named a West Division all-star in 2019 with Winnipeg, helping the Blue Bombers win a Grey Cup. Sayles has played 83 career C-F-L games with the Bombers and Lions. The Green and White visit Edmonton Saturday with kickoff slated for 2 p.m. Following is the news release from the Riders…..
DATE: June 4, 2024
RELEASE TIME: IMMEDIATELY
RELEASE: SR24-083
RIDERS SIGN CFL ALL-STAR DB MARCUS SAYLES
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American defensive back Marcus Sayles.
Sayles (5’9-176) joins the Roughriders with five seasons of CFL experience with the B.C. Lions and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The New York native spent the last three seasons (2021-23) as a core piece in the Lions defensive backfield, earning 158 tackles, two sacks, six interceptions and two forced fumbles over 49 games. He had a career-best year in 2022 where he registered career highs in tackles (68) and interceptions (4) on route to being named a CFL All-Star.
Prior to the Lions, Sayles signed with the Minnesota Vikings and spent most of the 2020 season on the practice roster. He spent two seasons with the Blue Bombers (2018-19), playing in 34 games and tallying 136 defensive tackles, two sacks, six interceptions and five forced fumbles. He was named a West Division All-Star and helped the Bombers win the Grey Cup in 2019.
Before landing in the CFL, Sayles spent time with the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Rams in 2017.
Collegiately, Sayles started 46 games for the University of West Georgia where he recorded 123 tackles, 12 interceptions, 24 pass breakups and set a school record for most career blocked kicks with 13.
