Roughriders sign former NFL defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II

Photo courtesy: Washington Football Team

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II.

The six-foot-six, 285-pound Lanier II joins the Riders after spending the last five seasons in the NFL.

Lanier II was initially signed by the Washington Football Team as an undrafted NFL free agent in 2016. He went onto play 15 career games with Washington, making ten tackles, knocking down six passes, recording five sacks, five tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. His first career sack was against surefire Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees.

In 2018, Lanier II signed with the Los Angeles Chargers where he stayed for two seasons. The Georgia native spent portions of 2020 with the Kansas City Chiefs and the New Orleans Saints.  

In the NCAA, Lanier II played for the Alabama A&M University. As a senior in 2015, he made 29 tackles, six tackles for a loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, four quarterback hurries and one pass break-up over eight games while serving as a team captain. During his junior season, Lanier II was second on the team in tackles with 54 while adding 18 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a blocked kick.

Lanier II was a two-sport athlete, also suiting up for the Bulldogs’ basketball team.