Canadian offensive lineman has Dakoda Shepley been signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders for two years plus an option.

Shepley was selected fifth overall in the 2018 CFL Draft by the Riders.

Saskatchewan chose Shepley in the first round knowing he had signed an undrafted NFL free agent contract with the New York Jets. The 24-year-old was released by the Jets at the end of a strong training camp and he’s been a free agent ever since, biding his time for another potential NFL opportunity.

Saskatchewan brought Shepley to Regina for a five-day stint last October to practice, work out, watch film and spend the week learning the Riders offensive scheme. It was a chance to see how the team operates while keeping his NFL options available.

Shepley, who played his university football at the University of British Columbia, worked out at Eastern Michigan University’s pro day because it was within 50 miles of where he graduated from Holy Names High School in Windsor, ON. More than 20 NFL teams saw him there and that helped raise his stock.

The UBC product was a 2017 Canada West all-star at right tackle and won a Vanier Cup with the Thunderbirds in 2015.

Shepley’s lucky break to begin his football career was a bone.