Saskatchewan Roughriders Part Ways with Record-Holding Kicker Brett Lauther
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have made a significant roster move, announcing the release of veteran kicker Brett Lauther on Monday. The decision marks the end of an eight-season tenure for the 35-year-old specialist with the Canadian Football League club.
A Record-Setting Career in Green and White
Brett Lauther leaves Saskatchewan as the most accurate kicker in Roughriders history, having converted 295 of 360 field goal attempts during his time with the team. His impressive 81.9 percent success rate stands as the franchise record for kickers with at least 100 attempts.
During his eight seasons with the Roughriders, Lauther appeared in 114 regular season games and eight playoff contests. His contributions extended beyond regular field goals, as he successfully converted all 10 of his game-winning field goal attempts while accumulating 1,110 career points with the team.
Recent Performance and Team Changes
The 2025 season saw Lauther's accuracy dip slightly from his career standards. He made 39 of 54 field goal attempts for a 72.2 percent success rate, below his career average of 81.4 percent. This statistical decline coincided with organizational changes in the kicking department.
Prior to his release, Lauther was still under contract for the 2026 season. However, the Roughriders have added American kicker Michael Hughes to their roster this offseason, signaling a potential shift in their special teams strategy.
From CFL Journeyman to Saskatchewan Staple
Lauther's professional journey began in 2013 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, where he made four of six field goal attempts as a rookie. After spending five years moving between CFL teams, he found a permanent home in Saskatchewan in 2018, becoming the Roughriders' primary kicker and establishing himself as one of the league's most reliable specialists.
The Nova Scotia native now enters free agency and is eligible to sign with any CFL team. Roughriders general manager Jeremy O'Day indicated that the kicking position will feature an "open competition" during training camp, suggesting significant changes ahead for the team's special teams unit.
Community Impact Beyond the Field
Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Lauther made substantial contributions to the Saskatchewan community. He served as a player ambassador for the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation, traveling throughout the province to speak with students about mental wellness and literacy initiatives.
Lauther also founded the Roughrider Foundation Winter Classic charity hockey game, which recently held its fourth annual event in Saskatoon. His off-field work demonstrated a commitment to community engagement that extended well beyond his football responsibilities.
As the Roughriders prepare for the upcoming CFL season and free agency period, the release of their record-holding kicker represents a significant transition for the franchise. The team now faces the challenge of replacing not only Lauther's statistical production but also his veteran presence and community leadership.
