EDMONTON -- The Edmonton Eskimos have acquired the rights for offensive lineman Matthew O'Donnell from the Saskatchewan Roughriders in exchange for wide receiver Greg Carr, the club announced Wednesday.
O'Donnell was drafted by the Roughriders in the second round of the 2011 CFL Canadian draft, but he opted to sign with the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals.
He spent the 2011 season on the Bengals practice roster and was cut by the team this season.
The Comox, B.C., native played college football with Queen's University in the CIS. He was named the top CIS offensive lineman twice in 2009 and 2010, earning all-Canadian honours both years.
"From our perspective, we are very pleased to gain the rights to a quality young Canadian offensive tackle," Eskimos general manager Eric Tillman said in a statement. "Matthew's development began at Queens, a program we hold in high regard, and we feel he's made substantial improvement during his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, via two training camps and a full year on their practice squad."
Carr with Edmonton as a free agent during the 2012 off season. The 26-year-old appeared in six games with the Eskimos registering 19 receptions for 214 yards and one touchdown.
According to TSN CFL Insider Naylor, the Eskimos have been in contact with O'Donnell's representatives and believe he is interested in signing with them.
