Fansided

3 CFL signings who could soon become NFL players

By Matt Conner

REGINA, SK - JULY 28: Alex Singleton #49 of the Calgary Stampeders on the field before the game between the Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium on July 28, 2018 in Regina, Canada. (Photo by Brent Just/Getty Images)
REGINA, SK - JULY 28: Alex Singleton #49 of the Calgary Stampeders on the field before the game between the Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium on July 28, 2018 in Regina, Canada. (Photo by Brent Just/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
HAMILTON, ON – OCTOBER 27:Diontae Spencer #85 of the Ottawa Redblacks gains yards against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats during a game at Tim Hortons Field on October 27. 2018. (Photo by John E. Sokolowski/Getty Images)
HAMILTON, ON – OCTOBER 27:Diontae Spencer #85 of the Ottawa Redblacks gains yards against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats during a game at Tim Hortons Field on October 27. 2018. (Photo by John E. Sokolowski/Getty Images) /

Diontae Spencer, wide receiver

Former Team: Ottowa Redblacks
New Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are slowly saying goodbye to their biggest playmakers, which means Mike Tomlin and company need to restock the cupboards as much as they can. Antonio Brown trade rumors continue to swirl, and Le’Veon Bell is good as gone in free agency. While the Steelers remain dangerous offensively with JuJu Smith-Schuster at wideout and James Conner in the backfield, there’s a definite opening for younger, promising players to earn meaningful reps.

This offseason, the Steelers are taking a chance on Spencer, a player who has taken a circuitous route to his NFL dream. Spencer starred at McNeese State as a wide receiver and returner, and he flourished in the CFL after going undrafted in 2014 in those same roles as a two-time All-Star (including 2018) for the Redblacks.

Last year, Spencer caught 81 passes for 1,007 yards and seven touchdowns. He also excelled on special teams as both a punt and kick returner. Still only 26 years old, his versatility and skill set could serve the Steelers well.

Davis Sanchez says: I wouldn’t go so far to say he would replace Antonio Brown, but he is a dynamic returner and slot receiver. He’s as athletic a player as you’ll find in any league. If he gets an opportunity, he has the athletic ability and skill set to make a squad, especially with Pittsburgh looking like they may have an opening. He could crack that roster.