The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have released defensive back Marcus Sayles to pursue an NFL opportunity.
Sayles signed a contract with the Minnesota Vikings.
Bombers lose another good one to the NFL. DB Marcus Sayles signs with Vikings.
— Bob Irving (@BobIrvingCJOB) January 1, 2020
Sayles worked out for the Vikings, Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots and New York Jets in December.
He was a West Division all-star, producing his best season as a pro with 64 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, two defensive touchdowns and one sack. The 25-year-old was a key member of the Bombers’ defensive backfield which was part of Winnipeg’s first Grey Cup championship in 29 years.
IT’S OFFICIAL‼️ #MinnesotaVikings #SKOL #NFL pic.twitter.com/lwlPMqUfAx
— Marcus Sayles (@MSay1es4) January 3, 2020
The University of West Georgia graduate went unselected in the 2017 NFL draft, however, the Buffalo Bills signed Sayles to an undrafted free agent contract. He played in three pre-season games making two tackles and defending one pass, but Sayles was released by the Bills among final training camp cuts.
In November 2017, the Los Angeles Rams added Sayles to the practice roster. Sayles signed a futures contract with the Rams in January 2018, although L.A. let him go in April. That eventually led Sayles north of the border to the Manitoba capital.
During 34 CFL games Sayles totalled 136 tackles, seven special teams stops, six interceptions, five forced fumbles, two sacks and two defensive touchdowns. The five-foot-10, 175-pound cover recorded 11 tackles and forced one fumble during the Bombers’ CFL title run.
Sayles is the second DB from Winnipeg’s secondary to sign an NFL contract during the off-season joining CFL all-star Winston Rose.
