Roughriders Bolster Pass Rush with Two Former NFL Defenders

It’s not every day you hear about a CFL club pulling in former NFL talent mid‑season, but the Saskatchewan Roughriders decided to make a splash. Over the weekend the team announced the sign‑ons of defensive ends Derick Roberson and Millard Bradford, both of whom spent time on the practice squads and active rosters of several NFL franchises.

Roberson, a 6‑3, 260‑pound edge‑rusher, most recently tried his luck with the Buffalo Bills, where he logged 15 tackles and a sack in limited action last year. His NFL résumé also includes a stint with the New England Patriots, where he was known for his relentless motor and ability to whip the quarterback up the middle.

Bradford’s background is a little different but just as intriguing. The 24‑year‑old came up through the University of Texas at San Antonio, then signed as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions. Though he never saw the field on a regular‑season snap, he spent two full seasons developing his hand‑technique and run‑stuffing chops in Detroit’s defensive line rotation.

“Having guys who have been around the NFL locker rooms brings a new level of professionalism,” said Roughriders general manager Jeremy O’Leary. “They know what it takes to prepare for a game, to watch film, to push each other in practice. That’s exactly what we need as we head into the second half of the year.”

The move comes at a critical juncture for the Roughriders, who have struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Their sack totals sit in the lower tier of the league, and O’Leary hopes the pair’s experience will translate into more disruption for rival offenses.

Both players expressed enthusiasm about the transition north of the border. “I’ve always admired the passion Canadian fans have for football,” Roberson said in a short interview. “Joining a storied club like the Roughriders is an honor, and I’m ready to work hard and help the team win.” Bradford echoed the sentiment, adding, “The game is a bit different in the CFL, but the fundamentals are the same. I’m excited to get out there and make plays.”

Fans, meanwhile, took to social media with a mix of optimism and a dash of skepticism – the usual. Some wondered whether the adjustment period would be short enough to impact the Roughriders’ playoff push, while others simply celebrated the added star power.

Only time will tell if the former NFL defenders can make an immediate imprint, but one thing’s clear: Saskatchewan’s defensive line just got a little deeper, a little faster, and a lot more experienced.