With the CFL’s free agency communication window fast approaching, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are deep into conversations that could shape the look of their 2026 roster.
The league’s negotiation window opens Sunday, February 1 at noon ET and runs through Sunday, February 8, ahead of the official free agency beginning Tuesday, February 10 at noon ET. As of publication, the Riders have 32 players whose contracts are scheduled to expire, giving vice president of football operations and general manager Jeremy O’Day plenty to manage in the weeks ahead.
O’Day emphasized that communication is well underway, even if formal offers haven’t been extended across the board.
“We definitely don't have everyone offered to. I think we've communicated pretty much with everyone, but as far as formal offers, some of those still haven't happened," O'Day said from the winter meetings in Calgary.
One of the more intriguing situations centres around Saskatchewan's quarterback depth. Pending free agents Jake Maier and Jack Coan both remain unsigned, and O’Day acknowledged that those discussions are closely connected. Maier, who backed up Trevor Harris in 2025, made 45 career starts in Calgary before arriving in Saskatchewan and may be seeking a clearer path to playing time.
“It comes down to a little bit of what Jake wants to do,” O’Day explained. “Is he comfortable coming back and being in the same situation he was before? Or does he have an opportunity to go somewhere else where he feels like he might be able to start or play more?”
As for Coan, who has spent his first two CFL seasons in Green and White, O’Day shared the interest is mutual, but opportunity matters.
“We’d love to have him back, too. I think he’s in a situation where he wants to grow from where he was the last two seasons. He wants to have an opportunity to be the number two. Some of it comes down to Jake, and then from there, conversations with Jack."
O’Day added that talks with both quarterbacks are active, even with free agency weeks away.
“We’ve had conversations with both of them, and it’s an ongoing discussion. We have a plan in place.”
On the defensive side, head coach Corey Mace has been personally involved in trying to keep All-CFL defensive lineman Malik 'Scoop' Carney in Green and White. Carney is coming off a standout 2025 season, recording 39 tackles, eight sacks and a forced fumble in 18 regular season games, while playing a movable role along the Riders’ defensive front.
“I’m trying to get in everybody’s ear,” Mace said. “Scoop was that guy for us. He’s been a heck of a player, helped us win, and is looking for something.”
Mace acknowledged the realities of the business side while making it clear that the door remains open.
“Could be Green and White. Let’s do it again. But time will tell.”
From O’Day’s perspective, negotiations with Carney have hit a familiar free agency pause.
“I’d say they’re right now at a stalemate. Love to have him back. As you can understand, players only play for a short period of time, so they’re going to try to capitalize as much as they can.”
O’Day added that fit matters just as much as finances.
“It can’t always just be about the money. It has to be about the team aspect as well. We’re trying to do something special here.”
Back on offence, with American receiver Dohnte Meyers departing for the Cincinnati Bengals, questions have followed about whether that elevates the priority of re-signing KeeSean Johnson. O’Day stopped short of committing either way.
“To be determined. We’d love to have all these guys back. The reality is we’re not going to be able to get every guy back that was on our roster last year.”
O’Day noted that the volume of free agents means decisions are interconnected and that patience is required.
“There’s a lot of moving pieces. I’m taking it step-by-step with those guys.”
Entering his 28th season with the Roughriders, O’Day knows that free agency timelines vary.
“When you have as many free agents as we do, it takes a little bit of time. Some negotiations are over in a couple of days, and other ones take a little bit longer.”
For now, the Riders continue to balance communication, valuation, and fit — knowing that once February arrives, the pace will only accelerate.
As O’Day put it: “We’ll continue to communicate, give offers out, and we’ll see how it all plays out.”
