The Edmonton Elks are set to sign defensive back Manny Rugamba to a one-year contract through the 2025 season when free agency starts next Tuesday according to TSN reporter Farhan Lalji.
Manny Rugamba is five foot eleven and weighs 194 pounds. The 26-year-old from Zambia, made 73 tackles, one tackle on special teams, one sack, and one interception in 16 games for the B.C. Lions in 2024.
The Cleveland Browns signed Rugamba as an undrafted free agent on May 14, 2021. In 2021, he made three tackles (3 solos) in three preseason games. The Browns released him on August 31, 2021. The B.C. Lions signed Rugamba on January 21, 2022.
In 2022, he made 38 tackles, five tackles on special teams, one sack, and one interception in 11 games. In 2023, he made 58 tackles, four tackles on special teams, and two sacks in 17 games. He was named a CFL West All-Star after the season.
Collegiately, Rugamba played two seasons at Iowa (2016-17) making 55 tackles (44 solos, 11 assists), half tackle for a loss, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and 10 pass breakups in 22 games for the Hawkeyes.
Then, he transferred to Miami (OH) (2019-20) making 96 tackles (65 solos, 31 assists), four tackles for loss, two interceptions for 62 yards, one touchdown, 11 pass breakups, one forced fumble, one blocked kick, and one punt return for 10 yards in 16 games for the Redhawks.
He was named a two-time Third Team All-MAC and was named the MAC Championship Defensive Player of the Game in 2019.
