The Saskatchewan Roughriders continue their makeover under first-year coach Corey Mace by signing linebacker Mark McLaurin. The team also re-signed two players from last season in offensive lineman Philip Blake and quarterback Mason Fine.
The Riders gave Fine a two-year contract extension through the 2025 season. He made four starts for the team last year, throwing for 1,043 yards and three touchdowns. Saskatchewan has had him on the roster for three seasons with career numbers of 1,797 yards and six scores.
Blake will be on a one-year contract extension. He played in six games last year. Blake also has played for the Montreal Alouettes and Toronto Argonauts in his five-season CFL career, winning a Grey Cup with Toronto in 2022. Montreal drafted him in the third round of the 2011 CFL Draft and was a fourth-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos.
McLaurin has been on the Edmonton Elks the last two seasons, playing in 13 games. He has registered 48 defensive tackles, seven special teams tackles, one interception and one forced fumble. McLaurin spent time in the NFL with the New York Giants in 2019 and 2020.
Saskatchewan has signed 10 of its 30 free agents who are set to hit the open market on Feb. 13.
The Riders went 6-12 last season and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season. The contract of coach Craig Dickenson was not renewed, paving the way for Mace.
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