The Saskatchewan Roughriders took a big step toward shoring up their defensive line Friday.
The Roughriders, who currently have four D-linemen slated to become CFL free agents Feb. 13, acquired veteran end Charleston Hughes from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in exchange for quarterback Vernon Adams Jr.
It was the second trade of the day for Hughes. Earlier Friday, Hamilton acquired Hughes and a fourth-round pick (34th overall) in the 2018 CFL draft from the Calgary Stampeders in exchange for a fourth-rounder (28th overall) in 2018 and a fourth-rounder in 2019.
In Saskatchewan, Hughes will be reunited with Chris Jones. The Roughriders’ head coach-GM was Calgary’s defensive co-ordinator when Hughes broke into the CFL in 2008.
Hughes, a 34-year-old product of Saginaw, Mich., is a six-time West Division all-star (2010, 2012-13, 2015-17) and a four-time CFL all-star (2012-13, 2016-17).
Over his 10-season CFL career, the 6-foot-1, 246-pounder has registered 412 tackles, 99 sacks, 38 special-teams tackles and 23 forced fumbles.
Last season, Hughes had 41 tackles, 19 quarterback pressures, 11 sacks, two tackles for losses and one forced fumble in 14 regular-season games. He added five tackles and a sack in the post-season to help Calgary reach the Grey Cup game.
Hughes won Grey Cup titles with the Stampeders in 2008 and 2014.
The Roughriders’ defensive line could have a much different look in 2018 than it did in 2017. Not only has Hughes been added to the mix, but four players — Willie Jefferson, A.C. Leonard, Ese Mrabure and Eddie Steele — are eligible to become free agents Feb. 13.
That said, Jones has stated multiple times this off-season that he expects Jefferson will be with Saskatchewan next season.
Adams’ departure leaves the Roughriders with four quarterbacks — Brandon Bridge, Zach Collaros, David Watford and Marquise Williams — currently under contract.
Saskatchewan acquired Adams and a fifth-round selection in the 2018 draft from the Montreal Alouettes on Aug. 15 for defensive back Tevaughn Campbell, a third-round pick in 2018 and a third-rounder in 2019.
Adams dressed for 11 regular-season games with the Roughriders, completing one of three pass attempts for eight yards and rushing 12 times for 33 yards and three touchdowns. The 25-year-old product of Pasadena, Calif., also dressed for both of Saskatchewan’s playoff games, registering four carries for four yards and a touchdown.
