The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American linebacker David Gbenda.
The six-foot, 235-pound defender played 62 collegiate games at the University of Texas, recording 166 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, four pass knockdowns, and one forced fumble.
The native of Katy, Texas signed with the Tennessee Titans after going unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft but was released at the conclusion of training camp.
The 25-year-old reportedly recorded a 4.74-second forty-yard dash at his pro day, along with a 4.33-second shuttle, 7.20-second three-cone drill, 18 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, 32.5-inch vertical jump, and nine-foot, nine-inch broad jump.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders kept most of their big names in free agency but still suffered some key losses, including quarterback Jake Maier (Ottawa Redblacks), receiver Tommy Nield (Winnipeg Blue Bombers), defensive lineman Malik Carney (Edmonton Elks), linebacker A.J. Allen (Ottawa Redblacks), and strong-side linebacker C.J. Reavis (Ottawa Redblacks). Micah Johnson retired to become the team’s defensive line coach, while receiver Dohnte Meyers departed for an NFL shot with the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Roughriders hold the ninth overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. All CFL training camps are scheduled to open on May 10. Saskatchewan will play its first preseason game against the Calgary Stampeders on Monday, May 18 and its first regular-season game against the B.C. Lions on Saturday, June 13.
In 2025, Saskatchewan finished first in the West Division standings with a 12-6 record. The team went on to defeat the Montreal Alouettes in the 112th Grey Cup in Winnipeg, marking the club’s first championship in 12 years.
