Tracking every move made by the Roughriders this off-season

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Since the 2024 Canadian Football League season ended, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have been busy.

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While the Green and White had 32 pending free agents set to hit the open market, general manager Jeremy O’Day has been able to re-sign 17 of those players while adding several new faces.

There will be more new faces added to the team on Tuesday when free agency opens at 11 a.m., but before then let’s recap all the moves the Roughriders have made this off-season:

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Nov. 19

• Signed: American defensive lineman Eric Black, American defensive back Antoine Brooks Jr., Global punter Joe Couch, American quarterback Michael Hiers, American linebacker Braxton Hill, American defensive back Robert Javier, National offensive lineman Daniel Johnson, National offensive lineman Braydon Noll, National linebacker Zach Philion and American defensive back Alfahiym Walcott

Analysis: Just days after the season ended, the Riders secured several players who ended the season on the practice roster who were free agents.

Nov. 22

• Signed: Canadian defensive back Richard Aduboffour and American Defensive back Nicario Harper

Analysis: Some depth signings for the defensive backfield.

Nov. 25

• Signed: American offensive lineman Nick Jones, National Kicker Ben Hadley and National wide receiver D’Sean Mimbs

Analysis: Jones played a few games last year while the other two add more important depth.

Dec. 2

• Signed: National fullback Morgen Runge

Analysis: Depth to the fullback position alongside Albert Awachie.

Dec. 6

• Re-Signed: American quarterback Trevor Harris and National defensive lineman Charbel Dabire

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Analysis: Massive re-signing for the Riders to secure their starting QB for 2025 while also extending a Canadian defensive tackle.

Dec. 12

• Signed: American wide receiver Ja’Marcus Bradley

Analysis: Bradley has some NFL experience and could be a player to watch in camp.

Dec. 13

• Signed: American defensive lineman Alex Gubner

Analysis: Interior defensive lineman who adds some American depth.

Dec. 16

• Signed: American defensive back Eddie Heckard

Analysis: Depth signing to the defensive backfield.

Dec. 17

• Re-Signed: Canadian offensive lineman Noah Zerr

Analysis: Zerr started a few games in 2024 and adds important Canadian depth to the offensive line.

Dec. 18

• Re-Signed: National defensive back Jayden Dalke

Analysis: No longer starting safety but a valuable backup and special teamer.

Dec. 23

• Acquired: American quarterback Jake Maier from Calgary Stampeders in exchange for an eighth-round selection in the 2025 CFL Draft

Analysis: Roughriders targeted a QB with plenty of CFL experience to backup Harris.

Dec. 27

• Signed: American defensive back Tyrique McGhee

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Analysis: Depth signing to the defensive backfield.

Dec. 31

• Re-signed: National linebackers Jordan Herdman-Reed and Justin Herdman-Reed

Analysis: Twin brothers are proven special teamers.

Jan. 7

• Signed: American offensive lineman Brandon Kemp
• Released: American offensive lineman Trevor Reid (NFL opportunity)

Analysis: Reid was Saskatchewan’s starting left tackle last season so while losing him is tough, signing Kemp was a good move to add CFL tackle experience.

Jan. 8

• Re-signed: National defensive lineman Benoit Marion

Analysis: Played well for the team last year after joining the club in October.

Jan. 9

• Re-signed: National linebacker A.J. Allen
• Signed: American quarterback Jake Maier after he was acquired in a trade

Analysis: Allen continues to improve and continues to get more playing time on defence while also being one of the top special teamers in the league. As for Maier, the team was able to sign him before he became a free agent.

Jan. 13

• Re-signed: American defensive lineman Malik Carney and American linebacker Jameer Thurman (two-year extension)

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Analysis: A pair of massive re-signings for the Riders as they secured two defensive leaders.

Jan. 15

• Signed: American defensive lineman Rondell Bothroyd

Analysis: Big man who adds some defensive line depth.

Jan. 22

• Re-signed: American offensive lineman Trevon Tate
• Released: National wide receiver Ajou Ajou (NFL opportunity)

Analysis: While losing Ajou to an NFL opportunity wasn’t the best news for the team, securing Tate, who could be Saskatchewan’s starting left tackle next season, was a big move.

Jan. 24

• Re-signed: National defensive back Nelson Lokombo

Analysis: Lokombo will enter camp as the starting safety after a strong first season in the role.

Jan. 27

• Signed: American defensive lineman Shane Ray

Analysis: Ray has a bunch of CFL and NFL experience and could be a great addition to the pass rush.

Jan. 28

• Signed: American running back Trent Pennix

Analysis: While he will be below others on the depth chart, the 6-foot-2 Pennix could impress in camp.

Jan. 31

• Extended: American defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr. (one-year extension through the 2026 season)
• Re-signed: National defensive back Kosi Onyeka

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Analysis: Milligan was already under contract for 2025 but the Riders wanted to ensure he wasn’t going anywhere next year. They also re-signed Onyeka, a key special teamer.

Feb. 1

• Signed: American defensive lineman Mike Rose

Analysis: After being released by the Calgary Stampeders, the Riders were able to sign Rose, who will be a key interior lineman in 2025.

Feb. 3

• Signed: National defensive back Tevaughn Campbell and American wide receiver Wayne Ruby Jr.

Analysis: Campbell could prove to be a very important signing as the former NFLer and CFLer could secure a starting cornerback spot while Ruby adds some depth to the receiving corps.

Feb. 4

• Signed: National receiver Tommy Nield

Analysis: Depth move to the Canadian receiving corps.

Feb. 5

• Re-signed: American defensive back Marcus Sayles (two-year extension), American receiver/returner Mario Alford, National receiver Mitch Picton
• Signed: American defensive lineman Jordan Smith

Analysis: A big day during the CFL’s free agent negotiation window as the Riders secured a starting cornerback in Sayles, primary returner in Alford and clutch receiver in Picton while also adding Smith, a 6-foot-6 former NFL draft pick.

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Feb. 7

• Re-signed: American defensive tackle Micah Johnson

Analysis: Another proven veteran returns to bolster the interior of the defensive line.

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