Defensive tackle Caleb Sanders, Saskatchewan Roughriders agree to extension

VANCOUVER — American defensive lineman Caleb Sanders has signed an extension with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The 25-year-old defensive tackle logged a career-high 13 defensive tackles in 16 regular-season appearances for the Riders last year, then played in the West Division final and the Grey Cup, helping Saskatchewan to the championship.

Over three seasons with the Roughriders, Sanders has tallied 26 defensive tackles, five sacks and one forced fumble.

The six-foot-one, 287-pound South Dakota State University product began his pro career in the NFL, attending rookie camp with the New York Giants after the 2023 NFL draft, then spending training camp that year with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he got into one pre-season game.

Saskatchewan also signed global defensive lineman Sylvain Yondjouen after the native of Ruisbroek, Belgium was signed to the team’s practice roster in August.

The B.C. Lions announced Monday that they have signed Canadian defensive lineman Nathan Cherry to a two-year extension.

Cherry was eligible to become a free agent on Feb. 10.

The six-foot-one, 271-pound lineman enters his fifth season with the team after playing in all 18 of B.C.’s games in 2025, making four defensive tackles.

He added three tackles in two Grey Cup playoff appearances.

Selected third overall in the 2022 CFL Draft, the Saskatoon native made 28 appearances over his first three seasons with 15 defensive tackles, two sacks and a pair of forced fumbles.

Cherry suited in up 41 games with the Saskatchewan Huskies from 2016-21.

Along with winning Hardy Cups in 2018 and 2019, he registered 46 total tackles (28 solo, 18 assisted), 10 sacks and a fumble recovery. Cherry capped his U Sports career by earning First-Team All-Canadian in 2021.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 22, 2025.