Ride or bye: Saskatchewan Roughriders must lock down key free agents for repeat Grey Cup run

Saskatchewan is still buzzing after a dream 2025 season that ended with the Roughriders hoisting the Grey Cup. But reality is knocking: the champions have over 30 pending free agents heading into 2026, which means general manager Jeremy O’Day has traded the trophy tour for contract negotiations.

Every team fresh off a championship wishes they could simply extend every contract for one more year to run it back. Unfortunately, that’s not how the CFL works. Almost everyone on a title-winning roster deserves a raise, and the numbers back it up.

Some veterans may be willing to stay at their current salary — or even take a pay cut — to keep the core intact. Others, especially younger players, may chase the bag and sign with the highest bidder.

With so many moving parts, the Riders must prioritize who they most hope to bring back. Here are three players Saskatchewan absolutely needed to re-sign and three the team should extend if they want a legitimate shot at going back-to-back.

Trevor Harris

Harris has already signed a one-year contract extension, taking the top-priority free-agent off the list. At 39 years old, he’s coming off one of the best statistical seasons of his career, capped by a record-setting 112th Grey Cup performance where he completed 23-of-27 passes (85.2 percent). He also led the league in completion percentage (73.6 percent).

Age is just a number for a quarterback who gets rid of the ball quickly, protects his body, and embraces modern fitness. More importantly, Harris’ leadership and poise — on the field and in the media — are irreplaceable. That deal means the Riders are serious about repeating and did not want to gamble on finding a comparable QB.

With Harris and Tommy Stevens signed, the Riders have their starting and short yardage quarterbacks shored up for the 2026 season.

Jermarcus Hardrick

This was another veteran that was a must-sign for the Riders. Hardrick was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2025, finishing with the league’s top blocking grade at 84.4, per Pro Football Focus. At 35, he’s proven he can still dominate, and he’s publicly stated he wants to play until at least 40.

Beyond his performance, Hardrick’s leadership and wealth of knowledge make him invaluable to the offensive line. He’s still got two to three strong seasons left, and Saskatchewan could use every one of them.

Photo: Reuben Polansky/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

Samuel Emilus

The 112th Grey Cup Most Valuable Canadian showed why he’s one of the league’s premier receivers. Emilus caught all 10 of his targets for 108 yards in the CFL’s championship game in Winnipeg, showcasing elite route running, separation ability, and reliable hands.

At 28 years old, Emilus is entering his prime. His 2025 numbers projected to 1,512 yards over a full season. Add in his toughness, blocking, and clutch play, and Emilus is the kind of Canadian talent the Riders had to keep. Montreal’s Tyson Philpot signed a two-year extension despite missing six games and Emilus deserved similar treatment.

A.J. Allen

Perhaps the CFL’s most improved player in 2025, Allen emerged as a defensive force. He led the Riders in tackles with 91, added four sacks, and tied for the team lead in interceptions among linebackers with three. At 27 years old, Allen is still learning the nuances of the game, but his ceiling is high.

With all-stars Jameer Thurman and C.J. Reavis beside him, he still managed to stand out. He’s also a special teams standout, leading the league in tackles in 2024 with 22. Allen is a Canadian cornerstone for the Riders into the future.

KeeSean Johnson

Mr. Second Down was Harris’ most reliable target during the 2025 regular season, hauling in 86 catches for 1,159 yards, fourth in the CFL. With Dohnte Meyers likely heading south for an NFL opportunity, re-signing Johnson becomes even more critical.

The receiver’s chemistry with Harris was undeniable, especially in clutch situations. That kind of connection can’t be replicated overnight. If the Riders let Johnson walk, they risk dismantling the passing game that carried them to the Grey Cup.

Several key free agents were instrumental in the Green and White’s championship run. However, many of them are established veterans over 30, carrying higher salaries and the natural risk of decline that often comes with age.

The challenge for any general manager is deciding who still has fuel left in the tank and who might be an expensive gamble, which brings us to the final player on this list.

Photo: Reuben Polansky/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

Tommy Nield

Nield delivered a breakout season in 2025. Though he was injured to start the season, he was thrust into action once healthy and quickly proved he belonged. In 13 appearances, ‘Touchdown Tommy’ hauled in 42 receptions for 535 yards and five touchdowns, many of them clutch or game-winning scores.

Nield is a big-bodied target at six-foot-three and 203 pounds and at 26, he’s continuing to develop as a reliable offensive weapon. His emergence down the stretch was pivotal, and his profile as a young Canadian talent makes him especially valuable for Saskatchewan’s future. Much like Allen, Nield represents both immediate impact and long-term promise, a player who can help the Riders win now and for years to come.

It will take more than these players to keep Saskatchewan championship-ready, but they’re the foundation.

Extensions for players such as Kian Schaffer-Baker, Malik Carney, Mike Rose, Tevaughn Campbell and C.J. Reavis could help, but re-signing Harris, Hardrick, Emilus, Allen, Johnson, and Nield would give the Roughriders the best chance to defend their crown. Miss on too many of them, and the dream of back-to-back rings could go bye-bye.