Why the departure of Canadian linebacker A.J. Allen hit Saskatchewan Roughriders hardest in free agency

Glen Suitor has said that Canadian linebacker A.J. Allen was the most significant loss for the Saskatchewan Roughridersin free agency.

“The teams that focused most on keeping their own players were Saskatchewan and B.C., which isn’t surprising given how tight that West Final was. You could argue they were two of the league’s best teams,”

“Saskatchewan went on to win the Grey Cup, and championship teams always try to keep their core intact. Ottawa, on the other hand, was the most aggressive in free agency. Adding someone like A.J. Allen is a big gain for them, though it’s a major loss for Saskatchewan.”

The 6’0”, 210-pound linebacker started his CFL career with the Riders as a fourth-round pick in the 2020 Draft.

Last season, he played all 18 regular-season games, tallying 87 defensive tackles, four sacks, three interceptions, and three forced fumbles. Allen also helped Saskatchewan win the 112th Grey Cup, recording six defensive tackles and one on special teams.

He has now signed a two-year deal with the Ottawa Redblacks Winnipeg Blue Bombers for signing Tommy Nield and expressing curiosity about how Tim White might perform with a fresh team setup.