League sources said free linebacker AC Leonard has reached an agreement with the Edmonton Elks.
The 31-year-old was released by the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Tuesday, the day before he was due a $40,000 off-season bonus.
The six-foot-two, 250-pound defender made 33 defensive tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble in 13 games with the Raiders last season. It was a disappointing season for the Rangers as they came off the year leading the CFL with 11 sacks in a 14-game under-season campaign.
Leonard entered the CFL as a member of the BC Lions in 2015 as a tight end. He joined the Riders in 2016 and switched to defensive end making 33 defensive tackles, two special teams tackles, and five sacks during the season. He returned to the club the following year and recorded an additional 33 defensive tackles, five sacks and a forced fumble before opting to explore free agency.
The Palatka, Florida native signed with the Ottawa Redblacks in February 2018 and made 17 appearances for the club that year. He recorded 49 defensive tackles, one special team tackle and six sacks, but was not retained by the club despite being nominated for an Eastern Division All-Star award. He returned to Saskatchewan as a free agent in 2019 and reached career-highs with nine sacks and three forced fumbles along with 44 defensive tackles.
Leonard is now reunited with Chris Jones, who was the head coach and general manager of Saskatchewan when Leonard first joined the team in 2016. Jones has been named head coach and general manager of the Edmonton Elks. In December 2021 and led the team to 4 times. 14 record seasons.
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