Bombers sign former Ticats’ receiver Jalen Saunders after car crash recovery

Photo courtesy: CFL.ca

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have agreed to terms on a two-year contract with American receiver Jalen Saunders, filling a massive hole in their receiving corps left by the departure of Kenny Lawler.

The five-foot-nine, 170-pound playmaker joins the Blue Bombers after last playing with Hamilton in 2018. That season, Saunders registered 45 receptions for 739 receiving yards and two touchdowns in nine games for the Tiger-Cats, prior to suffering a season-ending knee injury against the Toronto Argonauts.

Saunders led the Ticats in receiving yards during the 2017 schedule with 1,170 on 76 catches. In 25 games over two seasons with Hamilton (2017-2018), he accumulated 121 receptions for 1,909 yards and six touchdowns, 15.8 yards per grab.

The 29-year-old Saunders signed with Ottawa in 2020, however the season was later cancelled. He re-signed in 2021, before suffering season ending injuries in a car accident.

Saunders was selected by the New York Jets in the fourth round, 104th overall during the 2014 NFL Draft. He played in nine games with the Jets and New Orleans Saints during his rookie season, posting one reception for seven yards, 15 punt returns for 125 yards and three kickoff returns for 139 yards.

While at the University of Oklahoma, Saunders played 22 games recording 1,558 receiving yards on 123 receptions with 11 touchdowns. He spent two years in Norman, OK after two at Fresno State University where he produced 80 catches for 1,527 yards and 15 touchdowns in 26 games.