Riders sign defensive lineman Willie Jefferson

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders have bolstered their defensive line, announcing Wednesday they’ve signed international defensive lineman Willie Jefferson.

Jefferson, a 6-foot-6, 245-pound defensive end, will join the Riders after recently attending training camp with the NFL’s Washington Redskins where he played three preseason games.

Jefferson won his first career Grey Cup in 2015 as a member of the Edmonton Eskimos playing under Chris Jones.

The 25-year-old signed with Washington in January, 2016 after two standout seasons with the Esks. The Beaumont, Tex. native has registered 43 defensive tackles, 10 quarterback sacks and 10 knockdowns in 35 regular season games in his career.

The Stephen F. Austin product also played six regular season games with the Houston Texans after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent in April, 2013.

“We are excited to add a young player of Willie’s caliber and character to our team,” stated Jones, the Riders’ first-year head coach and general manager. “Having coached Willie for two seasons I am well aware of his tremendous athleticism and work ethic. He is the type of player that can have an impact every play.”

As per club policy, details of the contract were not released.