Eskimos sign Haywood

Defensive lineman Jerome Haywood will join his first West Division CFL team after the Edmonton Eskimos signed the 31-year-old free agent Monday.

After spending his entire CFL career in the east with Ottawa (2002-5), Montreal (2006) and Winnipeg (2007-8), Haywood will try and help the Eskimos win the tight West Division. Currently, the Eskimos (6-6) are two points behind the Saskatchewan Roughriders (7-5) and the Calgary Stampeders who are tied atop the west.

The signing comes after defensive tackle Dario Romero suffered a season-ending torn bicep in Edmonton's 23-20 loss to Saskatchewan on Saturday. The Eskimos have placed Romero on the nine-game injured list.

In 107 career games, Haywood has recorded 223 tackles and 29 sacks.

"Having Dario out for the rest of the season is a huge loss," Edmonton head coach Richie Hall said in a statement. "The passion, skill and heart he brings to the game are unlike many others.

"Haywood does, however, bring a lot of the attributes Dario has to the Eskimos and we are looking forward to having him be a part of the team.

The Eskimos also added linebacker Frantz Joseph to the practice roster. They play the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday.