Saskatchewan is still buzzing from a dream 2025 season that ended with the Roughriders capturing the Gray Cup. But reality is knocking: champions more than 30 pending agents will be released in 2026This means that general manager Jeremy O'Day has traded the trophy tour for contract negotiations.
Every team that just won the championship dreams of simply extending each contract for another year to play it out. Unfortunately, that's not how CFLs work. Almost everyone on the title-winning squad deserves a promotion, and the numbers back it up.
Some veterans may want to stay at their current salary or even take a pay cut to keep the core intact. Others, especially younger players, may chase the bag and sign with the highest bidder.
With so many moving parts, the Racers must prioritize who they most hope to bring back. Here are three players that Saskatchewan absolutely needs to re-sign, and three that the team should extend if they want to have a legitimate chance to return back-to-back.
Trevor Harris
Harris has already signed a one-year contract extension.removing the priority free agent from the list. At 39 years old, he is coming off one of the best statistical seasons of his career, capped by a career-high 112th Gray Cup appearance where he completed 23 of 27 passes (85.2 percent). He also led the league in completion percentage (73.6 percent).
Age is just a number for a quarterback who gets rid of the ball quickly, protects his body and embraces modern fitness. More importantly, Harris' leadership and poise – on the field and in the media – are irreplaceable. This trade means the Riders are serious about replicating and don't want to take the risk of finding a comparable QB.
After signing Harris and Tommy Stevens, the Riders have their starting running backs and short-running quarterbacks in place for the 2026 season.
Jermarcus Hardrick
This was another veteran presence that was a must-have for the Riders. Hardrick was named the CFL's 2025 Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, posting the league's highest blocking grade of 84.4 apiece. Professional football. At 35, he has proven he can still dominate, and he has publicly stated that he wants to play until he is at least 40 years old..
In addition to his scoring ability, Hardrick's leadership qualities and wealth of knowledge make him an invaluable player on the offensive line. He still has two or three strong seasons left, and Saskatchewan could use every one of them.
Samuel Emilus
The 112th-ranked Canadian MVP in the Gray Cup showed why he is one of the league's best receivers. Emilus caught all 10 of his targets for 108 yards in the CFL championship game in Winnipeg, displaying elite route running, separation ability and reliable hands.
At 28, Emilus is entering the prime of his life. His 2025 numbers are projected at 1,512 yards for the entire season. Add in his stamina, blocking and clutch play, and Emilus is the Canadian talent the Riders had to keep.. Montreal Tyson Philpot signs two-year extension Even though Emilus missed six games, he deserved the same treatment.
AJ Allen
Arguably the most improved player in the CFL in 2025, Allen has emerged as a defensive back. He led the Riders in tackles with 91, added four sacks and led the team in interceptions among linebackers with three. At 27 years old, Allen is still learning the nuances of the game, but his ceiling is high.
Along with stars Jameer Thurman and CJ Reavis, it still managed to stand out. He is also a standout player for the team, leading the league in tackles in 2024 with 22. Allen is a Canadian cornerstone for the Riders going forward.
KeeSean Johnson
Mr. Second Down was Harris' most reliable target during the 2025 regular season, making 86 catches for 1,159 yards, good for fourth in the CFL. Donte Meyers will likely head south for opportunities in the NFL.re-signing Johnson becomes even more important.
The chemistry between the receiver and Harris was undeniable, especially in clutch situations. This kind of connection cannot be replicated overnight. If the Riders let Johnson go, they risk ruining the passing game that led them to the Gray Cup.
Several key free agents played an important role in the Green and White's championship. However, many are veterans over 30 years of age, with higher salaries and the natural risk of decline that often comes with age.
The job of any general manager is to decide who has gas left in the tank and who could be a costly gamble, which brings us to the last player on this list.
Tommy Neild
Nield had a breakout season in 2025. Although he was injured early in the season, he was forced into action when healthy and quickly proved that he belonged on the team. In 13 games, “Touchdown Tommy” had 42 receptions for 535 yards and five touchdowns, many of them game-winning scores.
Nield is a big target at six-foot-three and 203 pounds, and at 26 years old he continues to develop into a reliable offensive weapon. His presence on the field was critical and his status as a young Canadian talent makes him especially valuable to Saskatchewan's future. Like Allen, Neeld represents both immediate impact and long-term prospects, a player who can help the Riders win now and for years to come.
It will take more than these players to keep Saskatchewan ready for the championship, but they are the foundation.
Extending the likes of Kian Schaffer-Baker, Malik Carney, Mike Rose, Tevon Campbell and CJ Reavis would help, but re-signing Harris, Hardrick, Amelus, Allen, Johnson and Neild would give the Roughriders their best chance to defend their crown. If you miss too many of them, the dream of back-to-back rings may become a thing of the past.
