The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced the signing of American wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland, who previously played for the Denver Broncos. Cleveland, known for his size and athleticism, brings experience from the NFL to the Canadian Football League as the Roughriders prepare for their upcoming season.
Overview of Cleveland’s Professional Football Career
Tyrie Cleveland stands six feet two inches tall and weighs 205 pounds. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft, going 252nd overall to the Denver Broncos. During his time with Denver, Cleveland appeared in 23 games, recording eight catches for 91 yards and contributing on special teams with 10 kickoff returns totaling 234 yards. After Denver, he spent periods on the practice rosters of the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts but did not participate in regular-season games. At 28 years old, Cleveland has been out of NFL play since August 2024, having earned nearly $2.1 million throughout his career.
Collegiate Achievements at the University of Florida
Before turning professional, Cleveland was a four-year contributor at the University of Florida, appearing in 46 games as a Gator. His collegiate stats include 79 receptions for 1,271 yards and eight touchdowns. Additionally, he was active in kickoff returns, with 10 returns for 242 yards and one touchdown, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability.
Recent Success of the Saskatchewan Roughriders
Coming off a strong 12-6 record in 2025, the Roughriders topped the West Division for the first time since 2019. Their momentum carried them to a triumph over the Montreal Alouettes in the 112th Grey Cup held in Winnipeg, capturing their first championship in over a decade. Trevor Harris distinguished himself at quarterback, starting 16 games and throwing for 4,549 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
Team Performance and Key Players Highlighted
Saskatchewan’s balanced excellence was evident as they ranked second in both net offense and net defense while sharing third place with a plus-eight turnover differential. Standouts included leading rusher A.J. Ouellette, who ran for 1,222 yards, top receiver KeeSean Johnson with 1,159 yards, and leading tackler A.J. Allen who accumulated 91 tackles. The team also enjoyed robust fan support, with an average attendance of 28,427 per game—a 2.7 percent rise from the previous season.
Significance of Cleveland’s Addition to the Team
The arrival of Tyrie Cleveland adds depth and NFL experience to the Roughriders’ receiving corps, complementing key players like KeeSean Johnson. His proven versatility as both a receiver and kickoff returner aligns with Saskatchewan’s balanced strategy in offense and special teams. As the team looks to defend its Grey Cup title, Cleveland’s signing could provide an important boost in playmaking options and roster flexibility.
