The Saskatchewan Roughriders are preparing for the upcoming CFL free agency, with general manager Jeremy O”Day providing insights on the team”s current roster status. As the free agency frenzy approaches, teams will open contract discussions with pending free agents starting Sunday. This communication window will last a week, closing just before official contracts can be signed on February 10.
This season, the salary cap has increased by $218,000 from the previous year, amounting to $6.28 million for 2026. O”Day has successfully re-signed 18 of the team”s 44 impending free agents, while 22 players still await contract agreements. Some notable departures include receivers Dohnte Meyers and Shawn Bane Jr., who were released, and the retirements of defensive lineman Micah Johnson and running back Ka”Deem Carey.
O”Day expressed optimism about the team”s direction as they enter the negotiation window. “We”ve secured a fair number of our free agents,” he stated during a virtual press conference following his attendance at the East-West Shrine Bowl in Dallas. “It”s a challenging time when you have that many free agents to try to retain as many guys as you want. But we feel pretty good about where we”re at.”
After clinching the Grey Cup last season, the Roughriders have managed to retain several key players, including quarterback Trevor Harris, receiver Samuel Emilus, and offensive lineman Jermarcus Hardrick. In January, the team brought back receivers Kian Schaffer-Baker and cornerback Tevaughn Campbell, followed by recent contracts for halfback DaMarcus Fields and receiver KeeSean Johnson. O”Day noted that Johnson”s extension was particularly complex, given his performance last season.
Other significant starters such as running back A.J. Ouellette, defensive end Malik Carney, and linebackers A.J. Allen and C.J. Reavis remain without contracts. If they do not sign before Sunday, they are free to negotiate with other teams while considering their potential offers from Saskatchewan. O”Day remarked, “I don”t know if there”s an advantage for either side of it… sometimes it can just be a mutual agreement.”
O”Day indicated that discussions with Ouellette have been progressing positively, and he shared similar sentiments regarding Carney. However, he was less definitive about negotiations with Allen and Reavis. “We”d love to have all the team back. Unfortunately, we”re going to have to make decisions on who we can bring back,” he said.
In terms of roster needs, the Roughriders are looking to address positions including running back, linebacker, and defensive end. There is also a possibility of reshuffling on the offensive line based on how free agency unfolds. O”Day mentioned that while Logan Ferland has been effective at center, he might return to guard if the right player becomes available.
The team is also evaluating options for the kick returner position, with Mario Alford still a free agent. O”Day acknowledged Alford”s past performance but emphasized the importance of aligning with the team”s overall strategy. “It”s still evaluating… we will see,” he said.
In the kicking game, the Roughriders signed American Michael Hughes to compete with veteran kicker Brett Lauther, who remains under contract but is due for an offseason roster bonus. “It”s going to be an open competition,” O”Day confirmed.
With the recent contract extension of last year”s fourth-string quarterback Jack Coan, it seems unlikely that backup Jake Maier will return next season, given that the Roughriders also have Harris, short-yardage quarterback Tommy Stevens, and rookie Jordan McCloud under contract.
On a broader note, the CFL announced significant dates for 2026, including the CFL Draft on April 28 and the Global Draft on April 29. Rookie camps are set to begin on May 6, with main camps following on May 10. The Roughriders will kick off their pre-season on May 18 in Calgary, leading into their regular season opener on June 13 against the B.C. Lions.
