The Edmonton Eskimos have lost one of their key linebackers, as Kenny Onatolu has signed a contract with the NFL's Minnesota Vikings, Sun Media has learned.
"It has always been a dream of mine (to play in the NFL)," Onatolu told the Edmonton Sun. "I'm looking forward to showing (the Vikings coaches) what I can do."
Minnesota was just one of several American teams that were drawn to Onatolu, including the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"It was kind of fun getting phone calls every other day," Onatolu said.
The 26-year-old Chicago native signed with the Eskimos as a free agent on March 29, 2007 and was entering the option year of his CFL contract in 2009.
He finished the 2008 campaign tied for second on the team in sacks (three) and fumble recoveries (two) while holding a share of the club lead in tackles for losses with four.
Another Eskimo player that may be heading south of the border is Brandon Guillory.
The import defensive end is reportedly being pursued by the Washington Redskins.
Guillory led all Eskimos in sacks (six) in 11 regular-season games last season.
Signed as a free agent with Edmonton on September 26, 2006, the New Orleans native has nine sacks in 14 career CFL games.
Earlier this week, Toronto Argonauts kick return specialist Dominique Dorsey signed on with the Redskins.
With files from the Edmonton Sun
