The Ottawa Redblacks have added former first round NFL pick, defensive lineman Vic Beasley to the team’s negotiation list.
The six-foot-three, 246-pound Beasley was selected eighth overall by Atlanta in the 2015 NFL Draft. He led the NFL with 15.5 sacks during his sophomore season, helping the Falcons reach Super Bowl LI while earning first-team All-Pro honours.
During 88 career NFL games, Beasley recorded 160 tackles, 46 quarterback hits, 37.5 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, 12 passes defended, two fumbles recovered, two defensive touchdowns and one interception. He collected over $37 million playing in the NFL and despite the earnings has shown an interest for potentially playing north of the border in the CFL.
According to sources, Edmonton Elks general manager and head coach Chris Jones had been in contact with Beasley about possibly joining the green and gold, but the Redblacks added his name to their exclusive 45-man list on February 8. That means only Ottawa can legally engage in contract negotiations with the pass rusher.
Beasley played his NCAA football at Clemson University where he appeared in 48 games. He is the Tigers all-time sack leader with 33 career to go with 101 tackles, 52.5 tackles for loss, 29 quarterback pressures, 11 passes defended, seven forced fumbles, two recovered fumbles and one defensive touchdown. The Adairsville, GA native was a two-time consensus All-American and 2014 Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
During the 2015 NFL Combine, Beasley displayed his explosive athleticism. He recorded a 4.53 time in the 40-yard sprint, 4.15 shuttle, 6.91 three-cone, 41-inch vertical, 10-foot, 10-inch broad jump and 35 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.
If general manager Shawn Burke can convince Beasley to sign on the dotted line, it would be an intriguing addition to the Redblacks roster with a player who has all the skills to make an impact in the three-down league.