CFL.ca Staff

EDMONTON -- The Edmonton Eskimos have officially signed highly coveted free agent middle linebacker Maurice Lloyd and non-import full back Graeme Bell, the club announced today.
 
In just three seasons, Lloyd has quickly emerged as one of the CFL's most dominant defensive players, helping to lead Saskatchewan to it's 2007 Grey Cup win.

Lloyd started in all 18 regular season games with the Roughriders in 2008 including the West Semi-Final against the BC Lions.  He recorded 74 tackles, nine special teams tackles, five sacks and one forced fumble in the ’08 campaign. To cap off an outstanding season, Lloyd was named a 2008 CFL All-Star.

Eskimos Head Coach Richie Hall says "Maurice Lloyd is an impact player who's capable of changing the course of a game. This is a very important signing and we're excited to see Maurice making big plays in an Eskimo uniform".

Bell dressed for all 18 regular season games and the East Semi-Final in 2008.  He ended the season with three carries for one yard and one touchdown and two receptions for 11 yards.  The Saskatchewan product signed with Winnipeg in August of 2005 as a free agent where he played in seven games.  His versatility allowed his to appear in all 18 games in ’06 where he finished the regular season as the Bombers third rushing leader.  Bell missed the 2007 season as the result of an off-season injury.

“Graeme is a strong, versatile player,” says Hall.  “His skill will add to our already solid Canadian talent pool.”