Eskimos sign LB Lloyd

Feb 17, 2009 - 11:18 PM EDMONTON, Alberta (Ticker) -- The Edmonton Eskimos on Tuesday signed highly coveted free agent linebacker Maurice Lloyd to a contract.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Lloyd started all 18 regular-season games with the Saskatchewan Roughriders last season, recording 74 tackles, five sacks and one forced fumble. For his efforts, Lloyd was named a 2008 CFL All-Star.

"Maurice Lloyd is an impact player who's capable of changing the course of a game," Eskimos coach Richie Hall said. "This is a very important signing and we're excited to see Maurice making big plays in an Eskimo uniform."

Also on Tuesday, the team signed fullback Graeme Bell to contract.

Bell had three carries for one yard for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers last season.

"Graeme is a strong, versatile player," Hall said. "His skill will add to our already solid Canadian talent pool."