Official: B.C. Lions sign West Division all-star defensive back Marcus Sayles

Photo courtesy: Minnesota Vikings

The B.C. Lions have signed American defensive back Marcus Sayles to a three-year contract through the 2023 season.

The five-foot-nine, 176-pound Sayles spent part of the 2020 NFL season on the Minnesota Vikings practice squad after signing with the team last January.

“Marcus is a talented player who brings plenty of energy,” Lions co-general manager and head coach Rick Campbell said in a statement.

“He will be a great addition to the group we are assembling on defence in 2021 and beyond.”

In 34 games over two seasons (2018-2019) with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the native of Alpharetta, Georgia recorded 136 tackles, six interceptions, five forced fumbles, two sacks plus a pair of defensive touchdowns.

Along with earning a West Division All-Star nod in 2019, Sayles also made his mark with a team-leading six defensive tackles in the Bombers’ victory over Hamilton in the 107th Grey Cup.

In 46 starts over four years (2013-2016) at the University of West Georgia, Sayles registered 123 total tackles, 12 interceptions, 24 pass break ups and also set the program record for most career blocked kicks with 13. 

Sayles joined the Buffalo Bills as a undrafted NFL free agent and attended 2017 training camp with the team before closing out that season on the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad.