Saskatchewan Roughriders sign running back William Powell to 2-year deal

The Saskatchewan Roughriders made their first splash of CFL Free Agency day – signing running back William Powell to a two-year contract on Tuesday.

Powell, 30, joins the Riders after spending the past four seasons with the Ottawa Redblacks.

The five-foot-eight, 230 pounder started 16 regular-season games last year, picking up 1,362 yards and six touchdowns on 251 carries.

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He added 39 catches for 319 yards and two touchdowns.

Powell has 500 carries for 2,835 yards and 13 touchdowns in 35 career regular-season games.

The Texas native is a two-time East Division All-Star and won a Grey Cup with the Redblacks in 2016.

The Roughriders also signed international linebacker DyShawn Davis to a one-year deal.

Davis spent the last three seasons with the B.C Lions and finished fourth in the CFL with 22 special-teams tackles in 17 regular-season games last year.

The six-foot-two 230 pounder also had 13 defensive tackles, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.