The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released prized free agent linebacker Deon Lacey following the decision to opt out of his CFL contract and pursue NFL opportunities.
The six-foot-two, 225-pound Lacey signed with the Riders in May after spending the last three seasons in the NFL, but never got the chance to don Rider green because the CFL season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He has now decided to use the time to find other employment south of the border.
In 2019, Lacey played 16 games with the Miami Dolphins, recording four tackles. Prior to suiting up for the Dolphins, the 29-year-old spent two seasons with the Buffalo Bills playing in 32 games and making 16 tackles.
The Alabama native initially started his NFL career by signing with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2013, playing in three pre-season games and recording five tackles.
In February 2014, Lacey signed with the Edmonton Football Team where he made an immediate impact, playing in 54 games over three seasons and recording 114 defensive tackles, 68 special teams tackles, seven sacks, four forced fumbles, three interceptions and one touchdown.
Lacey was named a West Division All-Star in 2014 and helped Edmonton win the Grey Cup in 2015. After the 2016 season, Lacey worked out for several NFL teams before signing with Miami in January 2017.
While in the NCAA, Lacey spent four seasons at the University of West Alabama. In his best season in 2011, he was named the Gulf Conference Defensive Player of the Year and to four All-American teams after collecting 97 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, four sacks, two interceptions, four pass deflections and a fumble recovery. He finished his collegiate career with 267 tackles, nine sacks, six forced fumbles and five interceptions.
Lacey is the third Rider to make use of the CFL’s offer of contract opt outs, following kicker Brett Lauther and offensive lineman Dakoda Shepley.
