REGINA - The Saskatchewan Roughriders have been very active on Free Agent Day in the Canadian Football League.
Free agency opened at 11 a.m. Saskatchewan time and it’s been apparent that General Manager Jeremy O’Day and new Head Coach Corey Mace have been busy, as the news of player signings announced from Riderville have come in fast and furious.
Here is a rundown of the signings that have been announced so far today by the Riders:
American running back A. J Ouellette has been signed by the Riders on a two year contract. The 2023 East Division all-star comes off an outstanding year with Toronto Argonauts, as he played 15 games and rushed for 1008 yards on 178 carries, along with 16 receptions for 163 yards and two touchdowns.
American defensive back Jalon Edwards–Cooper joins the Riders after being part of the BC Lions backfield last year. Playing a career high 14 CFL games, he had 36 tackles, three tackles for loss, one special teams tackle and one forced fumble last season.
American offensive lineman Jamarcus Hardrick has signed a two-year deal with the Riders, coming to the team after a lengthy stint with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He is a three-time divisional all star, two-time CFL all star and a two-time Grey Cup champion, who helped the Bombers finish first in rushing and helping the offence lead in both net offence and in points.
American defensive lineman Malik Carney join the Riders following three years spent with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Last year Carney had a career-high 52 tackles and registee 81 during 41 career games in Hamilton.
National linebacker Jordan Herdman-Reed rejoins the Roughriders after spending 2023 with the Calgary Stampeders primarily on special teams. He joined his twin brother, linebacker Justin Herman-Reed whose contract was extended by the Roughriders, it was announced Tuesday.
Veteran American middle linebacker Jameer Thurman has also signed with the Roughriders falling off following a stand out here with the Hamilton tiger cats last year. In Hamilton, Thurman had career highs in defensive tackles at 98 and sacks with five. Prior to that he had played four seasons with the Calgary Stampeders.
A signing that has just been been announced is the addition of American fullback Clint Ratkovich. He joins the Riders after signing with the Atlanta Falcons and spending most of the 2023 offseason and preseason with the team.
This is only the first day of the CFL free agency period, as more signings and player moves are expected as the week unfolds.
