Saskatchewan Roughriders

Saskatchewan Roughriders release National DB Billy Jonas Pernier

by
3Down Staff
May 11, 2026

Photo: Laval. Photo edit: 3DownNation.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released national defensive back Billy Jonas Pernier.

The five-foot-eleven, 203-pound defender was named the RSEQ Special Teams Player of the Year in 2025. He returned eight kickoffs for 152 yards, 14 punts for 135 yards, and four missed field goals for 102 yards over eight games. While playing defence, the cover man made 24 defensive tackles, one tackle for loss, and two pass deflections.

Pernier spent four collegiate seasons at Laval University from 2022-2025, suiting up in 30 games for the Rouge et Or. He registered 65 defensive tackles, 24 special team tackles and four pass deflections. As a returner, he recorded 28 kickoffs for 629 yards, 22.5 yards per return average, and one touchdown, 14 punts for 135 yards, 9.6 yards per return, and brought back five missed field goals for 131 yards.

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The 25-year-old Ombessa, Cameroon native went unselected in the 2026 CFL Draft. He ran a 4.58-second forty-yard dash at the 2026 CFL Invitational Combine.

The Roughriders selected Michigan State defensive back Malcolm Bell with the team’s first-round pick in the 2026 CFL Draft. The Green and White’s other major offseason additions include defensive lineman James Vaughters and returner James Letcher Jr.

All CFL training camps are scheduled to open on May 10. Saskatchewan will play its first preseason game against the Calgary Stampeders on Monday, May 18 and its first regular-season game against the B.C. Lions on Saturday, June 13.

In 2025, Saskatchewan finished first in the West Division standings with a 12-6 record. The team went on to defeat the Montreal Alouettes in the 112th Grey Cup in Winnipeg, marking the club’s first championship in 12 years.