The Saskatchewan Roughriders have said one of the main goals of the off-season is to solidify their offensive and defensive lines.
Just before free agency begins next week in the Canadian Football League (CFL), the Riders took care of a large chunk of the defensive side of the ball. On Saturday, the Riders agreed to terms with defensive end Pete Robertson. Then on Monday, Anthony Lanier signed a new contract with Saskatchewan.
Hours after officially agreeing to a new contract, the defensive tackle joined Michael Ball on the SportsCage.
Lanier’s new contract with the Roughriders is reportedly worth $250,000, making him the highest-paid American defensive player in the league.
“Happy to be home,” the 29-year-old told Ball.
He felt there were a lot of reasons for him to remain with the Riders.
“I’ve learned to love the community, love the fans out there, love the facilities out there.”
In his second season with Saskatchewan, the Savannah product got off to a sizzling start with the green and white. He picked up seven sacks in his first ten games of the season and was one of the top defenders across the CFL before going down with an injury in late August that kept him out of the Riders lineup until the season finale in Calgary in October.
Looking ahead to the upcoming year, Lanier said he is in good shape.
“Better than ever,” proclaimed the former Alabama A&M player.
He said that he is expanding his workout regimen this off-season.
“More of a routine for body maintenance. ” said the defensive tackle, adding that other activities include Brazilian ju-jitsu, boxing and hot yoga.
Lanier and Robertson formed one of the top pass-rushing duos in the CFL before Robertson suffered a broken foot injury in Week 5. There is a strong bond between the two teammates.
“Somebody who you can look at and just communicate and you don’t even have to open your mouth, it’s always good, we’ve been always working hard together,” said Lanier.
Even with the Riders signings along the defensive line, there are still plenty of question marks on the roster heading into the 2023 season Lanier says he has faith in the team.
“I trust in the organization to do what they feel is best to pick their best people at the positions. ”
