Jerome Messam, the CFL’s top Canadian in 2011, will be signing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, sources tell Sportsnet.
Messam, who has been out of football since the Montreal Alouettes released him in training camp, will report to the defending Grey Cup champions on Tuesday. The Riders have a need for a Canadian running back, with veteran Neal Hughes now on the shelf for upwards of a month with injury.
Messam will likely spend this week on the practice roster while he learns George Cortez’s offence. He must pass his physical in Regina, one he is believed to be taking today, to make the move official.
Saskatchewan was not the only team interested in Messam’s services over the past few days. Sources say both the Calgary Stampeders, and even the Alouettes, who cut him a few weeks prior, were interested in signing him.
The 29-year-old has been a pro football journeyman, since breaking into the CFL in 2010. After a year with the BC Lions, Messam was traded to Edmonton – where he had his breakout season in 2011.
The Brampton, Ont. native rushed for 1,057 yards and six touchdowns that year, and also caught 27 balls for 248 yards. At the time, he became only the third Canadian tailback since 1960 to rush for over 1,000 yards.
After that decorated 2011 campaign, Messam went to training camp with the Miami Dolphins, then returned to Edmonton before being dealt to the Alouettes.
Messam has been a regular on social media since this season began, while he watched from the couch, revealing thoughts on being away from the game.
The Messam signing is the second significant move made by the Roughriders since Saturday’s 48-15 loss in Toronto. On Monday, Saskatchewan traded cornerback Dwight Anderson to the Argonauts.
