Brayden Schager got the outcome he was hoping for. After a three-week training camp and two pre-season games, the 23-year-old quarterback impressed the coaching staff of the Saskatchewan Roughriders enough to earn a spot on the roster as the CFL club announced final cuts over the weekend.
Schager's Journey to the Roster
Schager, who spent a brief stint on Saskatchewan's practice roster at the end of last season, entered camp as one of three quarterbacks vying for the No. 2 spot behind starter Trevor Harris. The Roughriders released rookie Jordan McCloud early in camp, leaving Schager and third-year pivot Jack Coan to battle for the backup role.
Both quarterbacks received significant playing time in Saskatchewan's two pre-season games. Coan completed 19 of 33 passes for 198 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, while Schager went 24 of 37 for 318 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. The close competition left the team with a difficult decision, as neither player performed poorly enough to be cut.
In the end, the Roughriders decided to keep four quarterbacks, a strategy similar to last year when Coan was fourth on the depth chart behind Harris, backup Jake Maier, and short-yardage specialist Tommy Stevens.
Schager's Confidence and Growth
“I think I’ve had my three-week audition and proved to them my abilities and been able to put some good stuff on tape,” Schager said on Friday. “I think I’ve shown what I can do on the field and I’m happy and proud of what I’ve been able to put out there. I’m proud of the work that I put together, and proud of the future that I think I could have, especially here.”
Schager, who led Saskatchewan on a game-winning touchdown drive in the second pre-season game, emphasized his desire to remain with the organization. “It’s a place I want to be. I love all the guys in the locker rooms already, and I like the coaches a lot, and just the city as well, and just this whole organization. Definitely something I want to be a part of, and want to continue to grow in.”
Team Chemistry and Development
Schager praised the quarterback room for its supportive environment. “We all do a really good job of learning from each other and just listening to what the coaches are telling us, and building a building off of each other. I think it’s a very healthy room and it’s really good that we all get along well.”
Even though the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Dallas native may be inactive when Saskatchewan kicks off the regular season on June 13—since CFL teams can only dress three quarterbacks per game—Schager is focused on continued development. After four seasons at the University of Hawaii from 2021 to 2024, he is eager to grow as a young quarterback in the CFL.
“This was the initial goal to try to put myself in a position to be able to make the team,” he said. “It’s something that I think I’ve tried to prove to them every single day, just with my work ethic and the way I go about things. I’m proud of what I’ve been able to put on film, and just as a person as well, and somebody that they want to have in the locker room.”
Schager initially signed with the Roughriders on Sept. 30 last year when CFL practice rosters expanded. He was released on Oct. 29 but then signed a new contract on Nov. 19, just days after Saskatchewan won the Grey Cup.
