Roughriders add former Michigan quarterback

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced the signing of an American quarterback Monday — but not the quarterback people are waiting for.

The CFL team announced it had signed Shea Patterson, who had stints in the league in 2021 with the Montreal Alouettes and B.C. Lions. The 6-foot-2, 202-pounder had 11 carries for 18 yards in five games with the Als.

He came to the CFL after spending time with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, with whom he signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020.

Patterson began his college career at the University of Mississippi, appearing in 10 games and completing 238 passes for 3,139 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also rushed for 153 yards and a touchdown.

He transferred to the University of Michigan and, in 26 games over two seasons, completed 424 passes for 5,661 yards with 45 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. During his time with the Wolverines, he rushed 163 times for 323 yards and seven majors.

The Roughriders are expected to announce the signing of former Als quarterback Trevor Harris after the CFL free-agent market opens Tuesday. Cody Fajardo, who had been Saskatchewan’s starting QB, is expected to sign with Montreal.

Riders add to defensive back room with former Aggie

The Riders announced another signing on Monday.

Saskatchewan added Leon O’Neal Jr. to the defensive back group. O’Neal Jr. had signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022 with the San Francisco 49ers.

He spent four seasons at Texas A&M as a member of the Aggies program. The Cypress, Texas product appeared in 40 collegiate games, recording 161 tackles and six interceptions.

He played in the 2022 Senior Bowl and was voted by the offensive players as the top performer at his position.

He won the Aggies’ Heart Award, which is presented to a senior who has completed his eligibility and displays the intangibles such as effort, desire, determination, competitiveness, accountability, leadership and courage.