Former Michigan State defensive back Malcolm Bell has officially signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League, a move that caps a whirlwind offseason for the young player.
The Roughriders announced Bell's signing on Wednesday, highlighting the team's intent to bolster its defensive lineup ahead of the 2026 campaign, which kicks off next month.
Bell originally entered the CFL draft in late April, where he was selected in the first round by Saskatchewan. However, his sights were initially set on an NFL opportunity, leading him to accept a minicamp invitation from the Cleveland Browns.
A Strategic Shift in Bell's Career
After a brief stint at the Browns' minicamp, Bell decided to forgo the NFL route and commit to the Roughriders, citing the chance for immediate playing time and a clear path to contribution.
College-wise, Bell transferred to Michigan State ahead of the 2025 season after four years at the University of Connecticut, where he had already established himself as a reliable tackler.
During his lone season with the Spartans, he appeared in all 12 games, posting 49 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack and six passes defended, numbers that caught the attention of CFL scouts.
Implications for the Roughriders
The addition of Bell provides the Roughriders with a versatile defensive back who can adapt to multiple schemes, a valuable asset as the franchise looks to rebound from a challenging previous season.
General manager Jeremy McClure expressed confidence that Bell's work ethic and football IQ will translate well to the Canadian game, noting that the player is eager to make an immediate impact.