TUESDAY CFL ROUND-UP

SASKATCHEWAN

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today international linebackers Philip Steward and Eltoro Freeman have signed with the team. As per club policy, details of the contracts were not released.  

Steward (6’1 – 240) joins the Riders after spending four seasons at the University of Houston. The Texas native registered 378 defensive tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 14 quarterback sacks and 10 interceptions in 52 career collegiate games.

The 23-year-old originally signed as an undrafted free agent with the St. Louis Rams where he attended 2014 training camp, seeing action in four preseason games.  

Freeman (5’11 – 235) had previously signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in May, 2012 after spending three seasons at Auburn. While with the Tigers the Alabama native collected 126 defensive tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and five quarterback sacks in 34 collegiate games. He was a member of the 2011 BCS National Championship team.      

The 25-year-old was scouted while attending an NFL regional combine and subsequently invited to attend a recent Roughriders free agent camp.

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CALGARY

Calgary Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel is pleased to announce that international quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the Red and White through the 2018 season.

The 25-year-old Katy, Tex., native boasted a 13-2 record as the Stampeders’ starter in 2014 and led Calgary to a 43-18 win over the Edmonton Eskimos with four touchdown passes in the Western Final before earning Most Valuable Player honours in the Stamps’ Grey Cup victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

“Bo Levi has set the bar very high for himself after his performance last season but with his ability and determination, I believe he has room to grow and improve even more,” said Hufnagel. “The team has made a long-term commitment to Bo Levi and I’m pleased that he has made a long-term commitment to the Stampeders. This signing provides stability for the team at a crucial position.”

Mitchell led the CFL in passer rating in 2014 as he completed 264 of 417 passes for 3,389 yards and 22 touchdowns with just eight interceptions. He also carried the ball 35 times for 232 yards and four touchdowns.

In three seasons with the Stamps, he has completed 64.6 per cent of his passes (370 of 573) for 4,713 yards and 34 touchdowns. Mitchell also has 450 rushing yards and 11 majors.

“I’d like to thank Huff and the organization for making this commitment to me,” said Mitchell. “I feel like I’m just getting started here and so I wanted to make the same commitment to the Stampeders. I thank Dave and Huff so much for everything they’ve done for me since I arrived in Calgary in 2012 and I’m excited for the future as we build on what we accomplished together last year.”

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MONTREAL

The Montreal Alouettes announced on Tuesday that the club has extended the contract of international defensive back Billy Parker for two more seasons.

Parker (6’00”, 195 lbs.) compiled 42 defensive tackles last season, while intercepting one pass, which he returned for 45 yards. He also led the Alouettes and was tied for first in the CFL with nine pass knockdowns. He added five defensive tackles in the team’s two playoff games last November.

“Billy was our most consistent performer last year in the secondary,” said Alouettes General Manager, Jim Popp. “His extension is not only important as a skilled player on the field, but more importantly his leadership on the field, in the locker room and humanitarian efforts off the field.”

In his 105 CFL games, all with the Alouettes, the Mechanicsville, VA native amassed 283 defensive tackles, ten interceptions all while recovering two fumbles. The former member of the College of William & Mary Tribe also cumulated 46 career knockdowns. He helped the Alouettes win the Grey Cup in 2009 and 2010, picking off a pass in both wins. He was also named a 2013 CFL East Division All-Star.