The Saskatchewan Roughriders have re-signed veteran linebacker Larry Dean, the team announced on Tuesday. He was scheduled to become a free agent next week.
The six-foot, 226-pound defender started 18 regular season games at weak-side linebacker this past season and made 101 defensive tackles, seven special teams tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
The 34-year-old broke into the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2016. He was named an East Division all-star with the club twice over a three-year run with the team and was named the Most Outstanding Defensive Player in the East Division in 2018 after recording 105 defensive tackles, one special teams tackle, two interceptions, and one touchdown.
The native of Tifton, Ga. signed with the Edmonton Elks as a free agent in February 2019 and made 86 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, and one sacks in his only year with the team. He signed back with the Tiger-Cats in February but the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dean signed with the Riders as a free agent in February 2021 but missed the entire 2021 season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon ahead of training camp. He was recently named 3DownNation‘s No. 27-ranked pending free agent.
