Saskatchewan Roughriders general manager Jeremy O’Day has proven his words with action. The Riders have signed American defensive lineman Rondell Bothroyd.
“We have to decide what to do with our defensive line. It’s an area that we will look to address in free agency, whether from our negotiation list or from the draft," O'Day said from the CFL's winter meetings in Charlotte, N.C.
The 25-year-old spent his senior year in 2023 playing at the University of Oklahoma, starting 13 games with the Sooners. Bothroyd made 25 tackles, including four tackles for loss, a team-high eight quarterback hurries, one pass deflection, and one fumble recovery, while also earning an All-Big 12 honourable mention.
Prior to transferring to Oklahoma, Bothroyd spent five collegiate seasons (2018-2022) at Wake Forest University, suiting up for 48 games. As a Demon Deacon, he registered 136 tackles, including 31 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, three pass deflections, four forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries. He earned All-ACC Honourable Mentions in both his redshirt sophomore and junior seasons.
Following college, the six-foot-three, 273-pound lineman signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft. He attended training camp with the Bills, recording a sack in preseason play.
Bothroyd will join the Riders for training camp in May.
