Saskatchewan Roughriders Focus on Defensive Line with Pair of Signings

Originally posted on CFL on FanNation | By Anthony Miller | Last updated 2/14/24

Just before the start of the CFL free agency period, the Saskatchewan Roughriders spent Monday locking in two defensive linemen on contracts. The team posted on social media Monday they had re-signed Micah Johnson and signed Elijah Ponder.

Johnson is one of the more veteran players in the CFL, having been in the league since 2013. He completed his first season with the Riders after previously playing for them in 2019 and 2021. His final stat line included 27 tackles and five sacks.

Throughout his career, Johnson has played for four different teams, including the Calgary Stampeders, BC Lions and Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The 35-year-old defensive lineman has two Grey Cups and was named a CFL All-Star three times, a CFL West All-Star six times and CFL East All-Star once in 2022.

Ponder was with the Seattle Sea Dragons in the XFL last season, contributing 15 tackles and two sacks in nine games. He played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021 and 2022.

The team also shared the signings of the following players on Tuesday.