What led James Letcher Jr. to choose Saskatchewan Roughriders over Ottawa Redblacks in CFL free agency

How Saskatchewan Roughriders lured James Letcher Jr. away from Ottawa in CFL free agency

The Saskatchewan Roughriders made a decisive move during the Canadian Football League free agency period to sign James Letcher Jr., pulling him away from the Ottawa Redblacks.

Letcher Jr., 26, initially had his sights set on Ottawa. “I only talked to two teams: Ottawa and Saskatchewan. I was really going for Ottawa,” he said. “I was ready to go there. But then my agent told me Saskatchewan wanted to talk, so I waited to hear what they had to offer.”

The Roughriders’ motivation was clear: with veteran returner Mario Alford turning 35 and Ottawa having released DeVonte Dedmon, Saskatchewan wanted a younger, dynamic player for their return game. Head coach Corey Macereached out personally, calling Letcher Jr. on FaceTime while the wideout was at church on February 1. After the service, Letcher received a virtual tour of Mosaic Stadium and spoke with special teams coordinator Kent Maugeri.

One message, however, stood out: a call from Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris, who expressed a strong desire for Letcher Jr. to join the team. “Having their quarterback call me and say he wants me on the team—it was huge,” Letcher Jr. said. “He knows what I can do, and I love to play with him.”

General manager Jeremy O’Day sealed the deal by offering a better contract than Ottawa, signing Letcher Jr. to a one-year deal worth $125,300, including a $30,000 signing bonus. The contract also features performance incentives such as offensive playtime bonuses, all-star and award payouts, and additional rewards for punt return stats.

“My biggest goal has been to get more involved on offence,” Letcher Jr. explained. “I’m special at returning, but I know I can do more. Saskatchewan will give me the chance to compete in both roles, which is perfect for me.”

Montreal did not engage Letcher Jr. in contract extension talks before he became a free agent. He last spoke with the Alouettes during exit meetings in November, and although a coach reached out after Dedmon’s signing, it was already clear he would move to a new team for the 2026 season.

Letcher Jr., who earned $115,000 last year, missed the 112th Grey Cup against Saskatchewan due to a hairline fracture in his right fibula. He returned for the East Semi-Final and East Final, fully recovered, and is now training intensively in his Kansas City hometown. His regimen includes two-a-day weight sessions, speed drills, route running, and on-field work, as he prepares to make an immediate impact in Green and White.