Riders sign two Nationals, including Winnipeg-born long snapper

The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed long snapper Mike Benson June 17, 2026

The Saskatchewan Roughriders added two Nationals to the roster on Wednesday.

The team announced the signing of long snapper Mike Benson and defensive back Jonathan Edouard.

The Winnipeg-born Benson (5’11, 224 lbs) has played in 158 games over 12 seasons in the CFL – most recently spending the last five seasons with his hometown Blue Bombers.

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Benson made three consecutive Grey Cup appearances and was part of the 2021 championship team.

Prior to that, Benson also spent time with the Edmonton Elks, BC Lions and Ottawa Redblacks.

“With B.C. on Oct. 21, 2017, he had the rare distinction of scoring a touchdown as a long snapper. Providing coverage after snapping the ball to the punter, he recovered a fumble deep in Edmonton territory and scored from six yards away. His CFL statistical ledger also includes 23 special teams tackles,” read the Riders’ announcement.

Benson also previously played junior football with the Winnipeg Rifles and played for the Axemen while attending Acadia University.

Edouard (5’11, 185) was born in Orlando, Fla. but earned National status by attending Carleton University in Ottawa.

He played with the Toronto Argonauts over the past three seasons, logging 13 defensive tackles, 23 special teams tackles, a sack and an interception.

Edouard was also part of the 2024 Grey Cup champion team.

At Carleton, Edouard logged 55 tackles, three interceptions, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 15 games, earning a second-team OU All Star nod in 2018.

Prior to that, he played college football in the U.S. at Henderson State where he recorded 69 tackles, a sack and two interceptions in 32 games with the Reddies.