Its been a busy day around the CFL, with teams snapping up free agents like appetizers at a party.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have been busy.
The Riders confirmed the signing of AJ Ouellette to a two year deal. Ouellette had a career year with the Toronto Argonauts last season, and the explosive back will have more protection in front of him.
The Riders announced they have signed offensive lineman Jemarcus Hardrick from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Last year saw him named the West Division nominee for Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman and a CFL All-Star. The Mississippi native helped his team rank first in rushing yards (139.1 per game) and contributed to Brady Oliveira becoming the league’s leading rusher (1,534 yards). Winnipeg’s 33 sacks allowed was tied for second-best in the CFL and the offence led the league in points (33.0 per game) and net offence (414.7 yards per game).
The Riders have also signed defensive back Jalon Edwards Cooper. He was with the BC Lions last year where he picked up 36 tackles, and a memorable blocked field goal for a touch down.
National Lineman Justin Herdman Reed has been signed to an extension, and the Roughriders announced they have signed his twin brother National Linebacker Jordan Herdman-Reed. Jordan was with Calgary last years, suiting up mostly on special teams picking up 10 Tackles.
The Riders have come to terms with American middle linebacker Jameer Thurman. Thurman has a career year in 2022 setting new career highs in tackles and sacks.
Later in the day, fullback Clint Ratkovitch signed with the Roughriders. The six foot one, 220 pound fullback was on the Atlanta Falcons roster during the last NFL off season, and pre season. He played one season at Northern Illinois in 2021, where he rushed for 448 yards and 12 touchdowns.
