Riders trade returner Christion Jones to Eskimos for receiver Kenny Stafford

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

The Riders have sent returner Christion Jones to Edmonton for veteran receiver Kenny Stafford.

Saskatchewan general manager Jeremy O’Day released pass catcher K.D. Cannon in order to make room for Stafford on the roster. 

Stafford has played in 70 career games catching 194 passes for 2,626 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging 13.5 yards per reception. The 29-year-old has spent time in Calgary, Montreal and Edmonton during his seven years in the CFL. He helped the Eskimos win the Grey Cup in 2015. 

Jones has been with Saskatchewan since coming to the CFL in 2017. He has returned 111 punts for 1,441 yards and three touchdowns and also 51 kickoff returns for 1,225 yards. The 26-year-old dressed in three games for the Riders this season.

Edmonton had plethora of American receivers while Jones had been on and off Saskatchewan’s roster through seven games. The Eskimos need a returner after Martese Jackson suffered an upper-body injury against the Calgary Stampeders in Week 8. That setback spurred the deal.