For the second straight day, an accomplished C-F-L player, who was sitting idle, has been signed as a free agent.

After Montreal signed free agent defensive end Shawn Lemon on Monday, the Saskatchewan Roughriders announced, before returning to the practice field Tuesday morning, that they have signed veteran import defensive back Trumaine Washington. The 28-year-old has suited up for 51 career games with Toronto, Edmonton and Calgary. The Miami product also attended 2022 training camp with Ottawa after Washington finished the 2021 season as the C-F-L interceptions leader with five in 14 games. To make room for Washington, the Green and White released import running back Rodney Smith. The 3-3 Riders take on the 5-0 Toronto Argonauts in the Touchdown Atlantic game this Saturday in Halifax. Following is the news release from the Roughriders…..

DATE:                       July 25, 2023

RELEASE TIME:      IMMEDIATELY

RELEASE:                SR23-099

RIDERS ADD VETERAN DB TRUMAINE WASHINGTON

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American defensive back Trumaine Washington.

Washington (5’9-185) is a five-year CFL veteran, suiting up for 51 career games with the Toronto Argonauts (2018-19), the Edmonton Elks (2020-21), and the Calgary Stampeders (2022). The Florida native also attended 2022 training camp with the Ottawa REDBLACKS.

Over his career, the 28-year-old recorded 153 defensive tackles, 12 interceptions, including three returned for a touchdown, two forced fumbles and 13 pass knockdowns. In 2021, Washington finished as the CFL interceptions leader with five picks in 14 games.

Washington spent four collegiate seasons (2014-17) at the University of Louisville. In 45 games, the former Cardinal logged 141 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks, 10 interceptions, 22 pass knockdowns, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

In a corresponding move, the Club has released American running back Rodney Smith.