Saskatchewan Roughriders Officially Sign Defensive Back Malcolm Bell

May 14, 2026, 11:26
CanadaSports

Introduction

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have officially signed first-round draft pick Malcolm Bell to his first professional contract.

Main Body

This agreement comes after Bell spent some time exploring other options, including attending a minicamp with the NFL's Cleveland Browns. Before joining the team, Bell played for four years at UConn and then transferred to Michigan State for the 2025 season. During his time at Michigan State, he recorded 49 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, and six passes defended over twelve games. Bell joins a defensive unit that combines experienced veterans with new talent. The group is led by established players such as Rolan Milligran Jr, Marcus Sayles, and Tevaughn Campbell. Defensive Coordinator Joshua Bell emphasized that these veterans provide great stability and help teach the younger players. Furthermore, the arrival of other new athletes, such as Jaxon Ford and Nelson Lokombo, has increased the competition for starting positions. Bell has clearly stated that his goal is to earn a starting role, as he wants to contribute actively rather than just being on the roster.

Conclusion

The Roughriders have completed Bell's signing and have also activated kicker Alex Hale from the retired list before the 2026 season begins.

Learning

⚡ The 'Active' Shift: From A2 to B2

An A2 student says: "He wants to play in the game."

A B2 speaker says: "He wants to contribute actively."

Look at the phrase "contribute actively" from the text. This is the secret sauce for B2 fluency: using Adverbs of Manner to change a simple action into a professional description.

🛠 How it works

At A2, you use basic verbs. To bridge to B2, you must attach a 'how' word (an adverb) to that verb.

  • The Verb: Contribute (to give or help)
  • The Modifier: Actively (with energy and purpose)

Instead of saying "He is working hard," you can say "He is contributing actively to the team." This makes you sound more precise and academic.

🔍 Spotting the 'Professional' Patterns

Notice how the article describes the team's structure:

"...veterans provide great stability..."

Stability is a noun. A2 students use adjectives ("The team is stable"). B2 students use abstract nouns to describe a state of being.

Try this mental swap:

  • A2: "The coach is very experienced." →\rightarrow B2: "The coach provides experience and stability."

🚀 Quick Upgrade Guide

A2 Level (Simple)B2 Bridge (Precise)Context from Text
Get a jobEarn a role"...earn a starting role"
Join a groupCombine talent"...combines experienced veterans"
Be on the listBe on the roster"...rather than just being on the roster"

Vocabulary Learning

draft (n.)
A selection process where teams pick new players from colleges or other leagues.
Example:Malcolm Bell was a first‑round draft pick for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
contract (n.)
A written agreement that outlines the terms of employment or services.
Example:The Roughriders signed Bell to his first professional contract.
explore (v.)
To look into or investigate different possibilities.
Example:Bell spent some time exploring other options before signing.
minicamp (n.)
A short training session for a sports team, usually for evaluating players.
Example:He attended a minicamp with the Cleveland Browns.
transferred (v.)
To move from one institution or team to another.
Example:Bell transferred to Michigan State for the 2025 season.
tackle (n.)
A defensive play where a player stops an opponent from advancing the ball.
Example:He recorded 49 tackles in his college career.
loss (n.)
A defensive play where a defender stops an opponent from scoring or advancing.
Example:He had five tackles for loss during the season.
sack (n.)
When a defensive player tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage.
Example:Bell recorded one sack in twelve games.
defensive (adj.)
Relating to preventing the opponent from scoring or advancing.
Example:The team has a strong defensive unit.
coordinator (n.)
A person who organizes and directs a specific part of a team or organization.
Example:Defensive Coordinator Joshua Bell emphasized the team's strengths.
emphasize (v.)
To give special importance or attention to something.
Example:The coach emphasized the need for stability in the defense.
stability (n.)
The quality of being steady and reliable.
Example:Veteran players provide great stability to the team.
competition (n.)
The rivalry or contest between players for a position or goal.
Example:New athletes increased the competition for starting positions.
starting (adj.)
Being the first or main player in a game or position.
Example:Bell aims to earn a starting role on the team.
contribute (v.)
To give or add something that helps achieve a goal.
Example:He wants to contribute actively to the team's success.
retired (adj.)
No longer working in a particular profession or activity.
Example:Alex Hale was activated from the retired list.
activated (v.)
To make someone or something available or ready for use.
Example:The team activated kicker Alex Hale before the season began.
roster (n.)
A list of players who are part of a team.
Example:Bell wants to be more than just on the roster.