The B.C. Lions have signed former Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive back Marcus Sayles to a three-year contract through the 2023 season.
That news comes from NFL Draft Diamonds reporter Damond Talbot.
The Minnesota Vikings waived Sayles at the end of training camp. He was re-signed to the practice squad in October, but again let go in December.
Sayles was a West Division all-star for the Bombers in 2019, producing his best season as a pro with 64 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, two defensive touchdowns and one sack. The 26-year-old was a key member of the defensive backfield which was part of Winnipeg’s first Grey Cup championship in 29 years.
The 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.
In 34 career CFL games, Sayles has 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 man recorded 11 tackles and forced one fumble during the Bombers’ title run.
Sayles is one of the best halfbacks in the CFL.
