Blue Bombers acquire DB Johnson from Roughriders

Feb 16, 2009 - 6:46 PM WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Ticker) -- The Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Monday acquired defensive back James Johnson, the Most Valuable Player in the 2007 Grey Cup, from the Saskatchewan Roughriders for a conditional pick in the 2011 draft.

Johnson, who spent the last three seasons with Saskatchewan, played in 17 games last season, registering 39 tackles and three interceptions.

Johnson, 28, also had three picks in the Roughriders' 23-19 win over Winnipeg in the 2007 Grey Cup.

"He's a proven starter in this league," Blue Bombers coach Mike Kelly said. "We think with his experience and type of player he is, that he fits the mold that we're looking for."

Winnipeg made another trade Monday, acquiring linebacker Siddeeq Shabazz from the Edmonton Eskimos for defensive end Kai Ellis.

Taken by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL draft, Shabazz spent the last two seasons with the Eskimos.