Jeremy O’Day outlines reasons behind Roughriders’ signings of James Letcher Jr. and James Vaughters

The Saskatchewan Roughriders believe they strengthened two key areas in CFL free agency — upgrading their primary returner and adding veteran depth at defensive end.

After allowing Mario Alford to depart, Saskatchewan moved quickly to sign James Letcher Jr., a 26-year-old who showcased his explosiveness with the Montreal Alouettes. In 2024, Letcher ranked second in the CFL in both punt and kick-off return yards. Although injuries limited him to nine games in 2025, general manager Jeremy O’Day said the club sees significant upside.

O’Day emphasized the coaching staff’s belief in Letcher’s trajectory, noting his strong college résumé as a receiver and the possibility of expanding his role offensively. The hope is that he can become a dynamic, game-changing presence in the return game.

On defence, the departures of Malik Carney and Habakkuk Baldonado created a need for experience off the edge. The Riders addressed that by signing veteran defensive end James Vaughters, who previously worked with head coach Corey Mace during their time together with the Calgary Stampeders.

O’Day explained the team had prior interest in Vaughters and valued both his familiarity with the system and the leadership he brings.

The 32-year-old spent 2025 with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, recording 36 tackles, six sacks and a defensive touchdown across 18 games.