Roughriders acquire Williams, Bartel from Tiger-Cats

Feb 17, 2014 - 4:27 PM Regina, SK (SportsNetwork.com) - The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced on Monday the acquisition of linebacker Shomari Williams, punter Josh Bartel and the eighth overall selection in the 2014 CFL Canadian Draft from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in exchange for the ninth and 11th overall selections in the draft.

Williams returns to Regina, where he was originally selected first overall in the 2010 Canadian Draft. He played three seasons with the Roughriders before signing with Hamilton prior to last season.

The Toronto native played just six games in 2013 for the Tiger-Cats, missing a majority of the season due to injury. Williams, 28, has compiled 91 defensive tackles, 33 special teams tackles, five sacks and one interception in 60 career games.

Bartel, a native of Australia, will enter his third CFL season after joining Hamilton prior to 2012. Bartel was named as a 2013 East Division All-Star after punting 112 times for a 43.7 yard average, including a 69-yard long.