Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
EDMONTON — The Edmonton Eskimos have made some changes to their secondary, announcing Monday the additions of Brandyn Thompson and Demetrius Wright along with the release of defensive back Deion Belue.
Thompson, 26, played a key role on the REDBLACKS’ No. 1-ranked defence last season, starting in 17 regular season games along with the 103rd Grey Cup Championship in Ottawa’s loss to the Eskimos last November.
In his second season in the CFL, Thompson, a 5-foot-10, 188-pound Boise State graduate, recorded 42 defensive tackles, three interceptions and a forced fumble. He became a free agent on Feb. 9 but reportedly opted to pursue NFL aspirations before choosing to join a team.
The Eskimos also announced the addition of Wright, a 24-year-old 6-foot-1, 195-pound defensive back out of USC.
On his way out is Belue, a two-year CFL veteran who recorded eight tackles in three games with the Eskimos in 2016. Belue, 24, was expected to take on a significant role this season in an Esks’ secondary that’s struggled to overcome the losses of Aaron Grymes (NFL), John Ojo (injured) and Otha Foster (free agency) among others.
The Esks’ defence under first-year defensive coordinator Mike Benevides has allowed the second-most points in the league (31.2 per game) and the second-most passing yards (413.2 per game).
Edmonton is back in action on Thursday night in a home matchup with the Montreal Alouettes, as the Esks will look to end a three-game losing streak.
