The Saskatchewan Roughriders have locked up C-F-L sacks leader A-C Leonard.

The 29-year-old veteran import inked a two-year extension with the Green and White today after leading the league with 11 sacks in 11 games last season. Leonard also had 41 tackles, two pass knockdowns and an interception. He was scheduled to become a free agent next month. Following is the news release from the Riders…..

DATE:                        January 10, 2022

RELEASE TIME:       IMMEDIATELY

RELEASE:                 SR22-003

RIDERS LOCK UP CFL SACK LEADER A.C. LEONARD

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American defensive lineman A.C. Leonard to a two-year contract extension.

Leonard (6’2-250) returns to the Saskatchewan Roughriders after a sensational 2021 season. A relentless pass rusher, the 29-year-old Florida native earned the CFL sack title, making a career-high 11 sacks in 11 regular-season games while adding 41 defensive tackles, six tackles for loss, two pass knockdowns, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Leonard also played in the West Semi-Final and West Final tallying another seven tackles and two pass knockdowns.

Leonard entered the league as a receiver with the B.C. Lions in 2015, after spending 2014 with the Minnesota Vikings. He switched to the defensive line when he came to the Roughriders in 2016. From there, Leonard developed into one of the league’s best defensive ends, going on to play in 78 career games on defence, making 200 tackles, 36 sacks, one interception and five forced fumbles. He played the 2018 season with the Ottawa Redblacks and was named an East Division All-Star, before returning to Saskatchewan in 2019.

Leonard played two seasons at Tennessee State at receiver, where he registered 1,174 yards and 11 touchdowns on 85 receptions.