The Saskatchewan Roughriders are the defending Grey Cup champions, but they will look markedly different when they begin preparations for their first CFL pre-season game in less than a month. Since hoisting the Grey Cup in November, more than two dozen players have departed through free agency, retirements, and releases.
Key Departures and Retentions
Running back A.J. Ouellette is returning for a third season, providing stability in the backfield. However, linebacker A.J. Allen, coming off a breakout season, accepted a better contract offer from the Ottawa Redblacks. Long snapper Jorgen Hus, the team's longest-serving veteran, and defensive tackle Micah Johnson are among the retirees. Receiver Ajou Ajou was cut following a CFL-led investigation that resulted in a suspension for improper behavior inside a Regina restaurant.
The Roughriders kept exactly half of the 44 players whose contracts expired in February, including quarterback Trevor Harris. Among the free-agent departures are defensive linemen Malik Carney, Charbel Dabire, and Habakkuk Baldanado; linebacker/defensive back C.J. Reavis; receivers Tommy Nield and Joe Robustelli; and backup quarterback Jake Maier. The team also waived veteran kicker Brett Lauther after an inconsistent season.
Players' Perspectives on Roster Turnover
Ouellette acknowledged the difficulty of keeping a whole team together. "The ones that left, I felt like they were chasing what they needed in their career at this point. I believe we kept the core guys together and we brought in some good ones," he said.
Allen expressed understanding of the business side. "There's a limit to what they can afford and can't afford. That's the reality, the business of the sport. Obviously I'm not gonna hold it against nobody, but it seemed like at the price range I was at, I was not wanted and that's OK. I don't hold it against nobody. That's life sometimes. But to say I didn't earn a raise would be foolish."
Building a Roster: Veterans vs. Rookies
With general manager Jeremy O'Day working within the CFL's salary cap guidelines, the team had to make tough choices. Some coaches believe a CFL team loses one game for every rookie starter, while others argue that at least 25 per cent of a roster needs to be turned over each season to prevent players from growing old—and less effective—together.
Allen noted, "There's always a lot of turnover in the league whenever a team wins or loses. That's the reality of the win, that coaches or players are in a position where they can chase the bag and get as much money as possible. I can respect that myself. There's absolutely no harm, no foul. We only get to play this game for so long. So to be able to make as much money as you can to help out your families, helping yourself, is something that's totally respected."
The Roughriders visit the Calgary Stampeders for an exhibition game on May 18 as they begin their title defense.
