Free agent linebacker Darnell Sankey is signing with the XFL’s Arlington Renegades, according to the Canadian Press.
The 28-year-old earned $113,000 this past season as a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, recording 120 defensive tackles, two special teams tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception. His 120 defensive tackles set a new franchise single-season record.
3DownNation reported that Sankey turned down a contract offer worth approximately $160,000 from Saskatchewan, which would have made him the second-highest-paid American linebacker in the CFL in 2023.
The six-foot-one, 245-pound defender made 98 total tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble as a member of the Calgary Stampeders in 2021. He was named a West Division all-star before leaving for the Riders in free agency this past winter.
Prior to arriving in Canada, Sankey spent parts of four seasons in the NFL. The native of San Jose, Calif. native played six games with the Indianapolis Colts in 2017 and also had stints with the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, and New Orleans Saints.