A.J. Allen shares why he left Saskatchewan Roughriders and chose the Ottawa Redblacks

Canadian linebacker A.J. Allen made headlines in 2026 free agency when he signed a record-setting deal with the Ottawa Redblacks, becoming the highest-paid linebacker of the CFL’s salary-cap era.

But for the 27-year-old, the move wasn’t about money.

“I didn’t leave to be the highest-paid,” Allen told 3DownNation. “I left because I felt like I was no longer wanted.”

After a breakout 2025 campaign with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, where he recorded 87 defensive tackles, four sacks, three interceptions and three forced fumbles, Allen believed he would be returning to Regina. He also played a major role in Saskatchewan’s Grey Cup run, helping them defeat the BC Lions in the West Final before capturing the 112th Grey Cup against the Montreal Alouettes.

At the time, he fully expected to re-sign.

“If you asked me at the start of January, December, or November, I would have told you I was going back,” Allen admitted. “This is the first time I’ve been in free agency, and the business side of this game can dilute those emotions real quickly.”

Despite early conversations with general manager Jeremy O’Day, communication slowed. Allen and his agent, Fred Weinrauch, eventually realized a return wasn’t in the cards. That realization stung, especially given the loyalty Saskatchewan showed early in his career after drafting him in 2020 and helping him develop into a ratio-breaking starter.

“It hurt when the business came in and that choice couldn’t be A.J. Allen anymore,” he said. “I am a human.”

When the legal tampering window opened, Ottawa made its intentions crystal clear. Vice-president of football operations Shawn Burke called Allen immediately when permitted. Head coach and GM Ryan Dinwiddie and defensive coordinator William Fields followed soon after.

“All three of the major people that I would want to talk to before joining an organization called me before the hour was up,” Allen said. “Time is money and time is important.”

Other teams showed interest. The Calgary Stampeders held discussions but never submitted an offer. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats appeared to view him as a secondary option. In contrast, Ottawa’s approach left no doubt.

“One team 100 percent wanted me more than all the other ones,” Allen explained. “My decision was made for me.”

The result was a two-year contract worth $490,000 in hard money, including $240,000 in 2026 and $250,000 in 2027.

Now, Allen will be central to Ottawa’s rebuild after a last-place 2025 finish. He has already helped recruit former Roughriders teammates, including C.J. Reavis, Habakkuk Baldonado, and quarterback Jake Maier, creating a Saskatchewan-to-Ottawa pipeline.

The Redblacks will face the Roughriders twice in 2026, including a return to Mosaic Stadium in Week 10. While those games may carry extra emotion, Allen insists there is no bitterness.

“They did not do this to me,” he said. “They made a business decision that was what they thought was best for the Saskatchewan Roughriders organization. I can’t fault nobody for that.”

With perspective replacing frustration, Allen is focused on the next chapter — one where he feels valued.

“It’s an opportunity for something new,” he said. “An opportunity to grow.”