Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Roughriders sign former Stampeder Keenan MacDougall

The Saskatchewan Roughriders made their first free agent signing on Wednesday by locking up Keenan MacDougall.

Former University of Saskatchewan defender joins Riders after three season with Calgary

Calgary Stampeders' Keenan MacDougall, right, celebrates his interception touchdown with teammate Quincy Butler during the first half against the Montreal Alouettes in Calgary on Sunday. (Jeff McIntosh/Canadian Press)

The idea of living in Regina has apparently grown on Keenan MacDougall.

On Wednesday, the Saskatchewan Roughriders signed the Canadian defender.

MacDougall spent the first three seasons of his CFL with the Calgary Stampeders, winning a Grey Cup in 2014.

The 24-year-old Saskatoon-product played his college ball at the University of Saskatchewan.

Listed as a safety in a news release from the Roughriders, MacDougall can play both defensive back and linebacker.

Last season, MacDougall recorded 18 special teams tackles and returned a fumble for a touchdown.

Former Eskimos linebacker signs

The Riders also added some depth at linebacker on Wednesday. The team signed defender Joash Gesse, who spent the last two seasons with the Edmonton Eskimos.

Gesse, who was born in Montreal and played his college ball with the Carabins, spent his first three CFL seasons with the BC Lions. 

The 28-year-old won a Grey Cup with BC in 2011.

One and done

Brett Swain (16) and Will Ford (30) of the Roughriders celebrate a touchdown in a 38-14 rout of the Redblacks. (Fred Chartrand/Canadian Press)

Soon after signing MacDougall and Gesse, the Riders announced they have released import receiver Brett Swain.

The 29-year-old spent one season in Saskatchewan. Swain got 25 passes for 377 yards and three touchdowns.

The team also announced that offensive lineman Dan Clark and fullback Scott McHenry have re-signed with the team.