Micah Johnson. (Britton Gray/980 CJME file photo)

By Britton Gray/ CJME News

Regina-born OL Evan Johnson signs with Riders

Feb 9, 2021 | 2:09 PM

Evan Johnson is coming home to play CFL football.

Johnson, who was born in Regina and played his university football with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, was the first free agent signing announced by the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old offensive lineman was taken by the Ottawa Redblacks in the first round (ninth overall) of the 2017 draft.

Johnson started as a rookie in 2017 and has played in 44 games, including the 2018 Grey Cup.

Micah Johnson also appears to be returning to the Roughriders.

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It was reported by 3DownNation’s Justin Dunk and TSN’s Dave Naylor that Micah would be signing with the Roughriders.

Johnson tweeted out he has re-joined the Riders.

The team has yet to make the Micah signing official.

Micah Johnson was with the Roughriders in 2019, but signed with the B.C. Lions during the 2020 off-season. Due to the cancelled season, Johnson never suited up for the Lions.

Now 32, he dealt with ankle injuries during his one season with the Roughriders but suited up for 15 games. He recorded four sacks during that time but was double-teamed quite a bit by opposing offensive lines, opening up opportunities for other Riders defenders to get to the quarterback.

Johnson has recorded 45 sacks in 96 career CFL games.

It would be a welcome addition to the Riders’ defensive line after the release last week of defensive end Charleston Hughes. He promptly signed with the Toronto Argonauts.

According Dunk reports, those are not the only moves the Roughriders are making.

3DownNation’s Justin Dunk reported the Roughriders had signed multiple CFL free agents shortly after the 11 a.m. deadline arrived and players hit the open market.

Along with Micah Johnson and Evan Johnson, Dunk said linebacker Larry Dean and linebackers (and brothers) Justin and Jordan Herdman-Reed have all signed with the Riders.

Dean would join the Roughriders after spending the 2019 season with the Edmonton Football Team.

Dean, who has four CFL seasons under his belt, has recorded 365 tackles in 72 games between Edmonton and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Dean is a two-time CFL East Division all-star (2017, 2018) and a one-time West Division all-star (2019).

Dunk is also reporting the Winnipeg-born Herdman-Reed twins are both signing with the Roughriders.

Justin was taken by Toronto in the seventh round (54th overall) of the 2017 draft while his brother Jordan was taken a few picks later (70th overall) by the Lions.

Jordan has recorded 95 tackles in 52 career CFL games. Justin has tallied 43 defensive tackles in 40 games.

Justin signed with the Tiger-Cats during the 2020 off-season.

Dunk also reported the Riders have signed defensive back Godfrey Onyeka.

The 26-year-old Brampton-product has played in 27 CFL games over the past two seasons, all with the Edmonton Eskimos.

More to come.