Roughriders’ GM O’Day delivers update ahead of CFL free agency

Roughriders’ GM O’Day provides update ahead of CFL free agency

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are heading into the CFL’s free agency period with much of their roster intact, but a number of key players remain unsigned as the league’s annual talent scramble looms.

On Sunday, teams across the CFL can begin contract talks with pending free agents during the weeklong communication window, which closes next Sunday. Official signings then kick off on Feb. 10, with the league’s salary cap rising $218,000 to $6.28 million for the 2026 season.

General manager Jeremy O’Day has so far re-signed 18 of his 44 pending free agents, leaving 22 players still without contracts.

The offseason also saw a few departures, including receivers Dohnte Meyers and Shawn Bane Jr., while defensive lineman Micah Johnson and running back Ka’Deem Carey retired.

O’Day expressed cautious optimism ahead of the negotiation window. “We’ve secured a fair number of our free agents,” he said during a virtual press conference on Friday, following his attendance at the East-West Shrine Bowl in Dallas. “I don’t think you’re ever really super comfortable with the roster at this time of the year, but I think it’s heading in the right direction.

It’s a challenging time when you have that many free agents to try to retain as many guys as you want. But we feel pretty good about where we’re at and still feel comfortable moving forward with what the team will look like when we’re done.”

After winning the Grey Cup last season, Saskatchewan was able to lock down several crucial pieces in December, including quarterback Trevor Harris, receiver Samuel Emilus, and offensive lineman Jermarcus Hardrick — a strong foundation as O’Day navigates what promises to be a busy few weeks.