A.J. Ouellette admits he had to sweat a little.
But after waiting out the “superstars,” pushing through the emotions of negotiation, and weighing what was best for his growing family, the bruising, bearded running back signed a one-year extension that keeps the heart of the Saskatchewan Roughriders ground game in Green and White for 2026.
And at the center of it all was one core belief: he trusts the organization to build another championship roster.
“They said, ‘Be patient, someone’s going to reach out,’” Ouellette smiled. “I think they knew I didn’t want to leave, so they could push it back, talk Trevor into not retiring and all that.”
And when that first offer arrived?
“You get that first offer and go hit a 20-minute workout session to get the anger out,” he laughed. “But then you sit down and say, ‘It’s a business. He’s trying to get a running back for as cheap as he can.’”
Instead of testing the free-agent communication window, Ouellette stayed locked in on Saskatchewan once a “respectful offer” came through, one that keeps his salary “pretty much” in line with last year.
If Ouellette’s trust in the front office steadied the business side, his bond with quarterback Trevor Harris sealed the football side.
“The bond me and Trevor have built over two years, that was a big reason,” Ouellette said. “He signs, and he’s pumped to play another year, maybe three more; we’ll see how he feels.”
Ouellette said watching Harris’ commitment to longevity has shaped his own offseason. He dropped to 203 pounds after the season, is back to 210, and plans to play between 215 and 220 heading into the cold-weather grind of the playoffs.
While the Riders retained most of their championship offence, the defence saw substantial turnover, with departures such as Malik Carney, Habakkuk Baldonado, A.J. Allen, and C.J. Reavis, along with the retirement of Micah Johnson.
For many players, that kind of shift could spark concern. Not Ouellette.
“It’s trust, right?” he said. “We trust the coaches on game day. We trust the front office to get the right people in the right positions. I’m trusting everything they do release, bring back, sign new. Just trusting at this point.”
That confidence extends to defensive coordinator Josh Bell, head coach Corey Mace, and the foundation the team has built since its turnaround began in 2024.
Ouellette has quickly become one of Riderville’s most recognizable personalities — the tough, old-school, workhorse back who can’t even make a Walmart run without a five-minute conversation.
“It’s a true professional feel,” he said of the organization. “Front office, support staff, you guys. And then out in the community, someone tells you that conversation made their whole month or year. It makes you feel good.”
He knows the moments won’t last forever.
“One day, a new running back’s going to take my spot, and a few years after that, I’ll just be a picture, a Grey Cup picture on someone’s wall. So I’m going to enjoy it while I have it.”
Ouellette has faced the challenge of defending a Grey Cup before, having done so in Toronto after their 2022 championship run. The lesson stuck.
“As long as you put work into your confidence, you’ll have a good season,” he said. “Walk with your chest out, we just won, but back it with the work.”
In the end, that’s what brought him back for 2026.
“It worked out,” he said. “I’m excited to be here.”
