Courtesy: Buffalo Bills.
Canadian defensive lineman Paris Shand has been added to the roster of the Columbus Aviators of the United Football League, per the league’s transaction wire.
Shand was selected by the Toronto Argonauts in the second round, 19th overall, during the 2025 CFL draft. However, he initially signed with the Buffalo Bills as an NFL undrafted free agent, attending training camp with the team.
The Toronto native was waived by the Bills as part of final roster cuts in August. He has remained a free agent since, working out with the Cleveland Browns in September, but not receiving a contract offer.
Shand finished his collegiate career with two seasons at Louisiana State University, starting nine games in 2024. He made 41 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks, and three pass knockdowns over 25 games with the Tigers.
The six-foot-four, 268-pound pass rusher transferred from the University of Arizona, where he recorded 41 total tackles, six tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery over 24 games.
Shand ran the 40-yard dash in 4.82 seconds at his pro day in 2025, along with a 7.06-second three-cone drill and a 4.52-second short shuttle. He also repped 225 pounds 17 times on the bench press and posted a 33.5-inch vertical jump and a nine-foot, seven-inch broad jump.
The 2026 UFL season is slated to begin on March 27 and will conclude on June 13. Players who play in the league are able to sign contracts with NFL teams in time for the start of training camp, whereas joining the Argos would prevent Shand from returning to the NFL before 2027.