Saskatchewan Roughriders legend Wes Cates was intrigued by Trevor Harris' one-year contract extension and compared it to another Riders quarterback.
"When we won a championship in 2007, Kerry Joseph had taken a pay cut to build some guys around him," Cates said on the SportsCage. "I think it's smart. It behooves him, I don't think he's in it for the money at this point. I think he's in it for a possible chance in another championship, so it makes sense."
That year Cates referred to Saskatchewan defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 23-19, which marked the third Grey Cup in franchise history.
According to 3DownNation insider Justin Dunk, who sourced the financial details for Harris' new deal, it's considered to be a team-friendly agreement.
"I hope he's got some money stashed away, but he does have a family, and things are expensive these days," Cates said. "So I appreciate it, Trevor, if you took that pay cut."
The six-foot-three, 212-pound QB started 16 games for the Green and White during the 2025 regular season. He completed 73.5 percent of his passes for 4,549 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Harris led the Riders to a win in the 112th Grey Cup as Saskatchewan defeated the Montreal Alouettes 25-17. After the game, he was named Grey Cup MVP.
Meanwhile, Cates shared who he believes the Roughriders should target after re-signing Harris and Tommy Stevens.
"KeeSean Johnson, a really important piece that you want to bring back. He's Mr. Second Down. He was the go-to guy for Trevor, he stayed healthy, and they seem to have a connection that's not going to be easy to replicate," Cates detailed.
"He's the guy that you want to go ahead and sign. I don't know how much guys are going to cost, but he's one guy that I think you're probably going to be able to spend a little more on, and then there's maybe some other guys you try to get a deal on."
The six-foot-one, 201-pound receiver played 16 games in his second season with Saskatchewan, he recorded 86 receptions for 1,159 yards and four touchdowns. While Cates made his case for Johnson, he also talked about one Riders pass catcher he expects to be playing in the NFL next season.
"Considering Dohnte Meyers is having some workouts, you can't really expect him not to sign with the athletic ability that he has. I think he will at least be in an [NFL] camp somewhere," Cates said.
The Minnesota Vikings worked out Meyers on December 2. He played 15 games for the Roughriders, registering 65 receptions for 1,056 yards and eight touchdowns. Like Johnson, 2025 was Meyers' second year with Saskatchewan.
The CFL free agency communication window opens on Sunday, February 1 and ends on Sunday, February 8. During those times, players can speak with other teams and sign with them when free agency begins on Tuesday, February 10.
