RIDERS ADD TWO DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have announced the following roster moves:
SIGNED:
- American defensive lineman Keion Adams
- American defensive lineman Freddie Bishop III
Adams (6’2-240lbs) joins the Riders after spending time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants. In 2019, Adams played in four pre-season games for the Giants where he made one tackle, one sack and one fumble recovery. He was selected by the Steelers in the 7th round (248th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft, spending most of his time on the practice roster.
A gifted college player, the 25-year-old played four seasons at the University of Western Michigan making 126 total tackles, 33 for a loss, 15 sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 44 games played. In his senior year, Adams was named to the 2016 All-MAC Second-Team, led the MAC in tackles for a loss with 18 and was invited to the NFLPA Bowl.
Bishop III (6’3-255lbs) comes to the Green and White with extensive pro football experience including time in the CFL, NFL and the AAF. The 30-year-old spent 2019 with the Toronto Argonauts playing in 18 games and making 40 tackles and six sacks for the Boatmen. Prior to signing in Toronto, he had played five games for the Memphis Express of the AAF making four tackles and one tackle for a loss.
Bishop played four preseason games with the Detroit Lions in 2018 recording 12 tackles. The Michigan native additionally played nine regular games for the New York Jets between 2016-2017, making 17 tackles and one pass deflection. The 2014 Grey Cup Champion spent three seasons with the Calgary Stampeders recording 55 tackles, 14 sacks and one forced fumble in 29 games played.
Collegiately, Bishop played 48 games for Western Michigan making 172 total tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 15 sacks and three forced fumbles. Bishop was named Second-Team All-MAC and the team’s most outstanding defensive player in 2012.
Additionally, American linebacker Matthew Thomas has opted back into his contract.
Thomas (6’3 – 230) signed with the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in April of 2018. He played in 10 regular season games for the Steelers recording four tackles. Thomas signed with the Baltimore Ravens in January 2019. He went on to join the XFL’s Team 9 in 2020.
Prior to turning pro, Thomas spent four seasons at Florida State playing in 37 games for the Seminoles, recording 192 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception for 29 yards, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. As a senior, he played in the 2018 East-West Shrine game after an outstanding season where he led the team with a career-high 85 tackles.
