date: 2026-01-30 19:10:00,
Saskatchewan Roughriders’ general manager Jeremy O’Day has been busy since his team won the 112th Grey Cup in Winnipeg.
The Green and White entered the offseason with 44 pending free agents. Many have been re-signed by the Riders so far, including Trevor Harris, Tommy Stevens, Jermarcus Hardrick, Samuel Emilus, Kian Schaffer-Baker, Caleb Sanders, Tevaughn Campbell, Nelson Lokomboand DaMarcus Fields among others.
Contract talks with star running back A.J. Ouellette are running in the right direction, according to O’Day. However, there are some key players who have yet to sign contract extensions with the communication window set to open at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 1 and the market officially opens on Tuesday, February 10.
Let’s get updates from the Grey Cup-winning GM on some big names.
Question: Can you characterize where negotiations are with A.J. Allen? And do you expect him to be back with the Riders?
O’Day: “I would say that they’re early on discussions, probably haven’t had discussions very often. We’ll wait and see — I’ll never say that there’s no chance.”
“I will tell you, we’re not going to get all of our guys back that are free agents. I probably won’t get into the specifics of who or what we figure will happen. We had early-on discussions.”
“He’s very valuable, other teams see that as well. Those discussions are somewhat ongoing, but there’s only so much room that you have on your cap when you’re signing so many guys back.”
Question: Malik Carney, the top pending free agent pass rusher. From the winter meetings you said contract negotiations with him were at a stalemate. Has that changed?
O’Day: “Same exact answer with A.J. Allen there. Nothing’s really changed on that one. We had some conversations early and everything that I said for A.J. is the same for Scoop.”
Question: One player that seems to have caught people’s attention around the league would be Habakkuk Baldonado. He’s not even viewed as a Global anymore, most people talk about him as an American.
We saw Corey Mace use him in a similar role to Malik Carney, different spots on defence. Do you think Balding‘s a guy that would be able to replace Carney if he moved on? Are you close to getting him back?
O’Day: “Haba’s arrow is definitely up. I think he’s been anxious to try to get his opportunity to play more. He got in the rotation a little bit [in 2024] and more so this [past] year, did some good things. I think his arrow is up.”
“We would like to have him back. Those conversations have been going on for some time now, but ultimately the player has to tell us he wants to be back and until we get to that point, there’s nothing really to report. I do think that Haba has the potential — he started half the season last year for us — to prove that he can do it. It’d be nice to see him do it for the full year.”
Question: In the secondary, you’ve brought some guys back who have played safety such as Nelson Lokombo and Jaxon Ford. Antoine Brooks really showed well at strong-side linebacker last year.
Do you need C.J. Reavis back or could he get squeezed out while trying to re-sign as many players as possible from a title team?
O’Day: “That’s a tough one there. I think part of the conversation is how’s our ratio going to shape up? Where are we going to play our Canadians? Which may impact C.J. C.J. has been an all-star for us, been a core part of our team.”
“Those discussions are still ongoing with where everyone’s going to fit because you can’t sign everyone back, and then you have guys that you want on the field that can’t get on the field. C.J. has been a very good player for us.”
“You are right, Antoine Brooks did play well for us at SAM, but C.J. also played good at safetymade some big plays and was a team player when he went back there. [Conversations are] ongoing. How that all fits together is still yet to be determined.”
“We’d love to have everyone back, but we do have restrictions of what we can do with the [salary] cap. That’s our job to put it back together.”
Question: Do you have a plan to bring returner Mario Alford back? There’s going to be some free agent returners out there, could you look at another option?
O’Day: “Still evaluating it, probably goes into the window for sure. We’ll see. Mario’s been a great player for us, has some historic numbers for us that we don’t forget about, bout int has to fit and those conversations are ongoing.”
What updates did Jeremy O’Day provide about the CFL contract negotiations with Saskatchewan Roughriders pending free agents?
Table of Contents
- 1. What updates did Jeremy O’Day provide about the CFL contract negotiations with Saskatchewan Roughriders pending free agents?
- 2. Jeremy O’Day Updates CFL Contract Negotiations with Saskatchewan Roughriders Pending Free Agents
- 3. Current Negotiation Status: Key Players
- 4. The Challenges of CFL Free Agency & the Salary cap
- 5. Potential Negotiation Outcomes & Scenarios
- 6. Impact on the 2026 Season & Team Strategy
- 7. Historical Context: Roughrider Negotiation Trends
- 8. Benefits of Retaining Core Players
Jeremy O’Day Updates CFL Contract Negotiations with Saskatchewan Roughriders Pending Free Agents
As the CFL free agency period looms, Saskatchewan Roughriders General Manager Jeremy O’Day provided a crucial update on contract negotiations with key pending free agents.The Riders are navigating a complex landscape, balancing the desire to retain core players with the realities of the CFL salary cap and the need to build for sustained success. This article breaks down the latest developments, potential scenarios, and what these negotiations mean for the team’s 2026 season and beyond.
Current Negotiation Status: Key Players
O’Day confirmed ongoing discussions with several prominent players whose contracts are set to expire. While specifics remain confidential, the following names are at the forefront of the negotiation process:
* Duke Williams (Wide Receiver): A consistent deep threat and fan favorite, Williams’s future in green and white is a top priority. His performance in the 2025 season solidified his value, and retaining him would provide stability to the receiving corps.
* Larry Dean (Linebacker): Dean has been a defensive anchor for the Riders, consistently leading the team in tackles. his leadership and experience are invaluable, making him a key retention target.
* Dan Clark (Centre): A veteran presence and long-time Rider, Clark’s health and potential return are significant factors. His experience on the offensive line is crucial for protecting the quarterback and establishing a strong running game.
* Jamal Morrow (Running Back): Morrow emerged as a dynamic force in the backfield, showcasing both rushing and receiving abilities. securing his services is vital for a balanced offensive attack.
O’Day emphasized the club’s commitment to these players, stating, “We’ve had productive conversations with all of our pending free agents. We value their contributions to the team and are working diligently to find solutions that work for both sides.”
The Challenges of CFL Free Agency & the Salary cap
Negotiating within the CFL’s salary cap presents unique challenges. Unlike leagues with hard caps, the CFL operates with a “soft cap” and various accounting rules that allow teams some versatility. However, maintaining a competitive roster requires careful financial management.
Here’s a breakdown of the key hurdles:
- Limited Cap Space: The Riders, like all CFL teams, must balance the cost of retaining existing players with the need to allocate funds for new acquisitions.
- Competing Offers: Pending free agents can receive offers from multiple teams,potentially driving up their market value.
- National/Global Player Ratio: The CFL’s ratio rules require teams to field a certain number of Canadian (National) players. This impacts negotiation strategies, as National players often command higher salaries due to their limited availability.
- American Free Agency: The influx of American free agents adds another layer of competition for talent and financial resources.
Potential Negotiation Outcomes & Scenarios
Several scenarios could unfold as negotiations progress:
* Re-Signings: The ideal outcome for the Riders would be to re-sign key players to multi-year contracts, providing stability and continuity.
* short-Term Deals: If cap space is limited,the Riders might offer shorter-term deals with incentives,allowing them to retain players while maintaining financial flexibility.
* Free Agency Departures: Some players may ultimately choose to test free agency, seeking more lucrative offers from other teams.
* Trade Possibilities: The Riders could explore trade options to acquire players who fill specific needs while potentially freeing up cap space.
O’Day acknowledged the possibility of losing some players to free agency, stating, “It’s the nature of the business. We’ll do everything we can to keep our core group together, but we also have to be realistic about the financial constraints.”
Impact on the 2026 Season & Team Strategy
The outcome of these negotiations will considerably impact the Roughriders’ prospects for the 2026 season. retaining key players will provide a strong foundation for a championship run. Though, losing key contributors could necessitate a period of rebuilding and development.
The Riders’ strategy appears to be focused on:
* Prioritizing Key Positions: Focusing on re-signing players at critical positions, such as quarterback, offensive line, and linebacker.
* Developing Young Talent: Investing in the development of young Canadian players to fill roster spots and address the National player ratio.
* Strategic Free Agency Acquisitions: Targeting specific free agents who can address immediate needs and complement the existing roster.
Historical Context: Roughrider Negotiation Trends
Looking back at previous years, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have demonstrated a willingness to invest in key players. The re-signing of quarterback Cody Fajardo in 2022, for example, signaled the team’s commitment to building around a proven leader. However, they’ve also shown a willingness to let players walk in free agency when the price becomes too high or when a younger, more affordable alternative is available. This pragmatic approach suggests a balanced strategy in the current negotiations.
Benefits of Retaining Core Players
Keeping a consistent core of players offers several benefits:
* Team Chemistry: Familiarity and established relationships among players contribute to better on-field chemistry and interaction.
* System Continuity: Retaining key players allows the coaching staff to maintain continuity in the offensive and defensive schemes.
* Leadership: Experienced players provide valuable leadership and mentorship to younger teammates.
* Fan Engagement: Fans connect with players over time, and retaining fan favorites boosts morale and ticket sales.
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