The Saskatchewan Roughriders added experience to their roster on Tuesday, signing National long snapper Mike Benson and defensive back Jonathan Edouard.
Benson joins Saskatchewan after spending the previous five seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The veteran specialist brings plenty of CFL experience, appearing in 158 career games over 12 seasons with Edmonton, B.C., Ottawa and Winnipeg.
The Winnipeg product was part of three straight Grey Cup appearances with the Blue Bombers from 2021 through 2023 and won a championship in 2021. Benson also played in the 2022 Grey Cup at Mosaic Stadium.
While long snappers rarely find the scoresheet, Benson had one of the more unique moments of his CFL career while with B.C. in 2017. After snapping on a punt, he recovered a fumble deep in Edmonton territory and returned it six yards for a touchdown. He’s also recorded 23 special teams tackles during his CFL career.
Before turning pro, Benson played junior football with the Winnipeg Rifles and suited up for Acadia University as a linebacker.
The Roughriders also signed defensive back Jonathan Edouard.
Edouard arrives in Saskatchewan after spending the last three seasons with the Toronto Argonauts, appearing in 41 games including 17 last season.
The Orlando, Florida product earned National status after attending Carleton University and contributed across defence and special teams during his time in Toronto, recording 13 defensive tackles, 23 special teams tackles, one sack and one interception. He was also part of Toronto’s 2024 Grey Cup championship team.
At the collegiate level, Edouard played three seasons with Carleton, where he registered 55 tackles, three interceptions, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries while earning OUA second-team all-star honours in 2018.
Prior to coming to Canada, Edouard played at Henderson State University in the United States, recording 69 tackles, one sack and two interceptions over 32 games.
