Former B.C. linebacker Josh Woods signs with Saskatchewan Roughriders

Photo courtesy: Jaclyn McKee/B.C. Lions

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American linebacker Josh Woods.

The 27-year-old was granted an early release by the B.C. Lions on December 22, following the team’s acquisition of Darnell Sankey.

The six-foot-two, 235-pound defender made 62 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, and one sack over 14 regular-season games in 2025, making 10 starts at weak-side linebacker. He returned to the lineup in July after suffering an ACL tear four games into the 2024 season.

The native of Ontario, Calif. made his Lions debut in 2021 following his collegiate career at UCLA, where he made 111 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, two pass knockdowns, and one interception over 31 games.

Woods played 55 regular-season CFL games over five seasons with the Lions, making 152 defensive tackles, 25 special teams tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, and one touchdown.

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.