Saskatchewan Roughriders sign North Carolina product Desmond Evans

Photo: CFL

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American defensive lineman Desmond Evans.

The six-foot-five, 265-pound defender played 55 collegiate games at the University of North Carolina, recording 124 defensive tackles, 21 tackles for loss, nine sacks, six pass knockdowns, and two fumble recoveries. He made a career-high five sacks as a senior.

The native of Sanford, N.C. signed with the Tennessee Titans after going unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft. He played three preseason games with the team but was released at the conclusion of training camp.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders finished first in the West Division standings in 2025 with a 12-6 record, finishing first in the West Division for the first time since 2019. The team went on to defeat the Montreal Alouettes in the 112th Grey Cup in Winnipeg, marking the team’s first championship in 12 years. Trevor Harris went 11-5 as a starter, throwing for 4,549 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

The Roughriders ranked second in net offence, second in net defence, and tied for third with a turnover differential of plus-eight. The club’s leading rusher was A.J. Ouellette with 1,222 yards, leading receiver was KeeSean Johnson with 1,159 yards, and leading tackler was A.J. Allen with 91 tackles. Saskatchewan finished second in attendance with average crowds of 28,427, which was a 2.7 percent increase from the previous year.