The news was ominous from Regina media observers Monday morning as the Saskatchewan Roughriders returned to the practice field.

Neither Rolan Milligan Junior or Marcus Sayles were on the Mosaic Stadium turf, after both left Friday’s 20-13 win in Ottawa. With that in mind, the Green and White announced the signing of veteran C-F-L defensive back Nafees Lyon Monday morning. The five-foot-nine, 184-pound product of Charlotte, North Carolina, played 10 regular-season games with Montreal in 2024. The 28-year-old has played 21 regular-season C-F-L games over four seasons as a member of the Alouettes and Edmonton. Meanwhile, Canadian defensive backs Tevaughn Campbell and Jaxon Ford were on the field working out while Brett Lauther was kicking. The 11-4 Riders are home to 5-11 Toronto on Friday night. Following is the news release from the Roughriders on the Lyon signing…..

DATE:                                 October 6, 2025

RELEASE TIME:          IMMEDIATELY

ROUGHRIDERS ADD DB NAFEES LYON

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American defensive back Nafees Lyon.

Lyon (5’9-184) joins the Roughriders with four years of CFL experience, spending time with the Edmonton Elks (2021-22) before being traded to the Montreal Alouettes in August of his sophomore campaign. He went on to spend the next two-and-a-half seasons (2022-24) in Montreal, registering 115 total career tackles, one sack, five interceptions, and a forced fumble over 30 games played. Lyon was part of the 2023 Grey Cup Championship team in Montreal.

Collegiately, Lyon spent five seasons (2016-2020) at UNC Charlotte, suiting up for 40 games. The 28-year-old recorded 137 total tackles, including five for a loss, two interceptions, 11 pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He also returned 19 punts for 95 yards over his final two seasons.