All-star defensive back Marcus Sayles signs with Roughriders

Marcus Sayles wanted to go somewhere he felt he could win – and he decided the Saskatchewan Roughriders was the club to do it

The American defensive back signed with the CFL team just days after being cut by the B.C. Lions.

“It came very quickly. We had a lot of teams coming at me but I just wanted to do the best opportunity for me, myself, and my family and I just want to win,” Sayles said. “I want to be in an organization that’s going to win and I want to be in an organization where I feel I can contribute and bring a Grey Cup home.

“(Saskatchewan) has a great team and organization. Even when I’m with B.C., we see all the energy that is being brought here with a new head coach and all these things, I’m just excited to be a part of it.”

Sayles, a five-foot-nine, 176-pound CFL all-star, has previously played with the Lions and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In the last three seasons with B.C., Sayles racked up 158 tackles, two sacks, six interceptions and a pair of forced fumbles over 39 games. In 2019, he helped the Bombers win the Grey Cup.

Sayles was cut from the Lions after the team’s training camp.

“There’s a lot of emotions and a lot going onto it since I’ve been there for a couple years,” Sayles said. “There’s no bad blood. They had to do what was best for their organization and for them to win the Grey Cup.

“I’m just excited I have the opportunity and excited to keep playing. Hopefully, I am able to share my opportunity and experiences and get a Grey Cup here.”

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Head coach Corey Mace was glad to be able to add a CFL veteran to the team’s roster.

“Over his career, he has been very productive. It was kind of a shock to see him out there (as a free agent) but the opportunity that he’s here, we’re all excited about that,” Mace said.

While Sayles has been a productive starter before, Mace said he has to earn the trust of the defensive coaches.

“He has been a playmaker in the league so I’m sure he will be fine but he just has to catch up on the playbook and stuff like that,” Mace said. “We have a bunch of DBs that we like and having him as an addition to give us flexibility certainly leaves us with smiles on our faces as a coaching staff.”

Originally from New York, Sayles has experience as a pro south of the border as well, spending time with the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams. During most of the 2020 season, he was on the practice roster for the Minnesota Vikings.

As a collegiate player, Sayles started in 46 games for the University of West Georgia, recording 123 tackles, a dozen interceptions, and 24 pass breakups. He also set West Georgia’s record for most blocked kicks in a career with 13.

The Riders open up their season on Saturday against the Edmonton Elks. Kickoff for the game is set for 2 p.m.