As members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders received their Grey Cup rings last week, some were still employed by the team while others are now wearing other colours. Since winning the CFL championship on Nov. 16 in Winnipeg, Saskatchewan's roster has significantly changed, with 16 of the 45 players who played in the Grey Cup no longer with the team.
However, the Roughriders do have a strong core of impact players returning for the 2026 season, which gives them hope of defending their title this season. As the team gets set to begin the season on June 13 at Mosaic Stadium against the B.C. Lions, when the Roughriders will raise the championship banner, here are all the roster changes the club has had this off-season.
Quarterback
Maybe the most important piece of Saskatchewan's championship run is back for another season as 40-year-old Trevor Harris returns for his fourth season with the team. However, there are changes behind him as last year's backup Jake Maier is now the starter in Ottawa, while Jack Coan moves from fourth string to backup. Rookie Brayden Schager is the lone newcomer to this group, with short-yardage specialist Tommy Stevens returning.
Running Back
Another key veteran is back as A.J. Ouellette looks to build on what was a career year in 2025, recording 1,222 rushing yards. Behind him, Canadian veteran Thomas Bertrand-Hudon also returns along with fullbacks Morgen Runge and Albert Awachie. Last year's American backup Mario Anderson is gone as the team elected to go with rookie American Quali Conley, who will start the season on the practice roster.
Receiver
There is plenty of change in the receiving corps, although three key pieces remain. Dohnte Meyers, Mitch Picton, Tommy Nield, Ajou Ajou, and Joe Robustelli are all gone from last year's team, while Kian Schaffer-Baker, Samuel Emilus, and KeeSean Johnson, who did not play in the Grey Cup due to injury, are back. The team also has Canadians Dhel Duncan-Busby and D'Sean Mimbs looking for bigger roles this year, while a pair of newcomers Daniel Wiebe (practice roster) and Dylan Djete (injured list) round out the national depth. As for the newcomers, American Jaylen Johnson has earned a starting spot, with Johnny Johnson III and Mathew Sexton on the practice roster.
Offensive Line
There is one change along the offensive line as American Trevon Tate did not re-sign in free agency after starting at left guard in the Grey Cup. That means Canadian Zack Fry, who started games at left guard last year before being injured, is expected to be the Week 1 starter at that position, with 2025 draft pick Erik Andersen serving as the lone newcomer as the sixth offensive lineman.
