The Saskatchewan Roughriders waited until Tuesday afternoon to make their at least one signing-per-day in the off-season, ahead of the February 8 date when free agency kicks in, announcing that import receiver Shaq Evans will be back in Green and White in 2022.
The 30-year-old broke his leg early in the 2021 season and only ended up playing five regular-season and both playoff games, recording 26 receptions for 220 yards. Evans will be going into his fourth season with the Riders. Following is the news release from the Roughriders…..
DATE: January 18, 2022
RELEASE TIME: IMMEDIATELY
RELEASE: SR22-011
SHAQ IS BACK – RIDERS RE-UP RECEIVER SHAQ EVANS
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American wide receiver Shaq Evans to a contract extension.
Evans (6’1-210) will remain in Riderville for a fourth CFL season, after initially signing with the Club in 2018. Evans enjoyed a successful rookie season, playing in 17 games and earning 785 yards receiving. Building on his first season success, he had a breakout year in 2019 culminating with his first CFL All-Star award. Evans registered 72 receptions for 1,334 yards receiving and five touchdowns, earned more than 100 yards receiving in six games and led the CFL in both average yards per catch (18.6 yards) and in 30+ yard receptions (15). Evans broke his leg early in the 2021 season, but came back and played five games, plus the West Semi-Final and West Final, earning 26 receptions for 220 yards.
Prior to joining the Riders, the 30-year-old California native was selected by the New York Jets in the 4th round (115th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft and spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Collegiately, Evans spent four seasons at UCLA (2010-13) playing in 40 games with the Bruins and tallying 126 receptions for 1,895 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also led the team in receptions for his final two seasons and earned an All-Conference Honourable Mention in 2013. He started off his collegiate career at Notre Dame playing six games for the Fighting Irish, making seven receptions for 61 yards before transferring to UCLA.
