Edmonton Elks sign former Riders and NFL linebacker Derrick Moncrief

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

The Edmonton Elks have signed former Saskatchewan Roughriders and NFL linebacker Derrick Moncrief, per sources.

The 28-year-old rose to prominence in the CFL with the Riders over three seasons (2017-2019) during which he established himself as one of the league’s best defenders. He made 73 total tackles, four sacks, three interceptions, and forced one fumble in his final season with the Green and White, that led to an opportunity to sign in the NFL.

Moncrief spent most of the 2020 season on the practice roster with the Los Angeles Rams, though he dressed for one game and played fifteen snaps on special teams. By pure coincidence, the contest also featured Moncrief’s former Saskatchewan roommate, Samuel Eguavoen of the Miami Dolphins.

Moncrief worked out for the Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers during his NFL team tour following a spectacular season in Regina.

The six-foot-two, 220-pounder was waived by the Rams in mid-August. Moncrief went overlooked by the NFL in 2017 after two seasons at Oklahoma State University.

The Alabama native played 17 games for Saskatchewan in 2019, making 69 tackles, four sacks, three interceptions and one forced fumble. He was named a CFL all-star for his outstanding play at the strong-side linebacker position.

The Riders and Argonauts were also interested in Moncrief but he chose to join the Elks.