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William Powell’s signing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders transpired without a great deal of fanfare.

That reaction was a surprise considering Powell is among the league’s best running backs. As a premier free agent, his signing was a coup for the Riders.

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The focus, however, on the opening day of the 2019 CFL free-agent period was on quarterbacks and their six-figure contracts. For those reasons, some free-agent signings — such as that of Powell — were overshadowed.

Powell’s signing was significant because it addresses a void at tailback. Tre Mason has been lost for the 2019 season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the Riders’ regular-season finale.

Photo by Jeff McIntosh / The Canadian Press

Mason led the Riders’ rushing attack in 2018 with 809 yards and three touchdowns and added 21 receptions for 103 yards.

Cameron Marshall, who came on later in the season, filed for free agency and remains unsigned.