Saskatchewan Roughriders update fans from CFL winter meetings

The future direction of the Canadian Football League will be a major focus this week as league stakeholders gather in Calgary for the annual CFL Winter Meetings.

Team presidents, general managers, head coaches, league officials — including commissioner Stewart Johnston — and representatives from the CFL Players’ Association are all in attendance to discuss plans for the upcoming season and beyond. Following several rule changes announced in September, such as a revised play clock, much of this week’s discussion will centre on how those adjustments could impact the game.

The league has also outlined a wide-ranging agenda that includes potential further rule changes, overtime structure, replay operations, negotiation lists and a possible American player draft, Olympic guidelines for 2028, playoff format adjustments, the free agency communication window, uniform branding, player awards, inclement weather planning, and transparency around player compensation.

Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Corey Mace, who spoke virtually with the media on Monday alongside general manager Jeremy O’Day, said he is eager to hear different perspectives now that he’s had time to reflect on the proposed changes.

“Sometimes topics come up that you don’t think you have a strong opinion on, and then you realise you actually do,” Mace said. “That’s what’s great about these meetings — hearing everyone’s thought process on each topic.”

O’Day is also looking forward to the discussions while continuing to manage a busy offseason. Saskatchewan entered the winter with 44 pending free agents, but has since re-signed 10 players, including key contributors Trevor Harris, Samuel Emilus and most recently cornerback Tevaughn Campbell.

“We haven’t formally offered contracts to everyone,” O’Day explained. “But we’ve communicated with pretty much all of them. Some negotiations move quickly, others take more time. It’s a step-by-step process.”

Following Saskatchewan’s Grey Cup triumph — the fifth in franchise history — contract talks have become more complex, with many players seeking to capitalise on the team’s success.

“When you have a lot of all-star players and guys who played well, it makes it harder to bring everyone back,” O’Day said. “The job doesn’t change, but expectations are definitely higher.”

Managing the salary cap remains a key challenge, O’Day added, noting that concessions are sometimes required on both sides.

“We have a great locker room, but everyone has to fit under the cap,” he said. “Some sacrifices may be necessary, but our goal is to keep as much of this group together as possible because winning is fun — and we want to give ourselves the best chance to do it again.”

While several major contract extensions are already in place, significant roster decisions remain ahead of free agency, which opens on February 10. One area of focus is the backup quarterback position behind Harris, with both Jake Maier and Jack Coan set to become free agents.

O’Day acknowledged that Maier’s future may depend on whether he’s willing to return in a similar role or pursue a starting opportunity elsewhere. Coan, meanwhile, is looking to progress into a more prominent backup role.

“These are conversations we’re having,” O’Day said. “Jake wants a chance to play, Jack wants to be a number two. We’ll work through it, and it should be sorted out soon.”