Here's who's in and out as the Riders begin CFL free agency
Feb. 13 has been a busy day not just for the Roughriders organization, but for Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Jeremy O’Day as well.
When the Riders re-signed O’Day to a two year deal despite missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, the spotlight was firmly on what O’Day would do to change the culture.
Back in November, O’Day hired Argos defensive coordinator Corey Mace to be the new head coach – which marked the first major step.
Free agency is the other major building block.
A.J Ouellette
Toronto Argonauts running back AJ Ouellette (34) looks down while playing against the Montreal Alouettes during second half CFL Eastern Conference finals football action in Toronto on Saturday, November 11, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Last season, the power back recorded his best season in the CFL, running for more than a thousand yards and eight touchdowns with the Toronto Argonauts.
The Riders haven’t had a running back crack the 1,000 yard mark on the ground since William Powell in 2019.
Ouellette added 16 catches for 163 yards and two more scores in 2023.
He joins a running back group that includes recently re-signed Frankie Hickson, and new to the CFL Jerrion Ealy, who signed with the Green and White on Dec. 14, 2023.
Ouellette’s signing marks the end of Jamal Morrow’s career as a Rider.
Through 16 games last season, Morrow ran for 907 yards and four touchdowns. He did add 36 catches for 349 yards and a touchdown.
Ouellette is making his way to Saskatchewan and is set to make his first appearance as a member of the Green and White on Wednesday.
Jermarcus Hardrick
Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Jermarcus Hardrick (51) holds the Banjo Bowl trophy as he celebrates with fans after defeating the Saskatchewan Roughriders in CFL football action in Winnipeg Saturday, September 9, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
The Riders also made a big splash with the signing of Jermarcus Hardrick to a two year deal.
Hardrick was the top offensive lineman on the CFL free agent market.
Last season, Hardrick was the West Division nominee for Most Outstanding Lineman, losing to the eventual winner Dejon Allen from the Toronto Argonauts.
The 33-year-old has played with the Blue Bombers since 2016, before that he was with the Riders in 2015 starting in eight games.
The Riders offensive line has been under the microscope the past two seasons.
In 2022, the Riders gave up the most quarterback sacks in the league with 77.
Last season was a little better, giving up 54 sacks. However, the Green and White still ranked third worst in the league.
Jalon Edwards-Cooper
B.C. Lions' Jalon Edwards-Cooper celebrates after returning a blocked Montreal Alouettes field goal attempt for a touchdown during the first half of a CFL football game, in Vancouver, B.C., Sunday, July 9, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
The Riders also announced they’ve added depth to their secondary – signing 26-year-old defensive back Jalon Edwards-Cooper.
Last season, Edwards-Cooper played wide side corner for the Lions, picking up 36 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble in 14 games.
He also scored a touchdown on a blocked field goal.
Edwards-Cooper joins a secondary group featuring Rolan Milligan, Amari Henderson, Deontai Williams and C.J. Reavis who is expected to play the strong side linebacker spot full time after the release of Derrick Moncrief.
Jameer Thurman
Hamilton Tiger-Cats' Jameer Thurman (6) tries to tackle Edmonton Elks quarterback Taylor Cornelius (15) during first half CFL action in Edmonton, Alta., on Thursday July 13, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson.
The man in the middle of the Riders defence appears to be Jameer Thurman.
The former Tiger-Cat and Stampeder linebacker has signed a one year deal with Saskatchewan.
Thurman had his best season in 2023, recording 98 tackles, five quarterback sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Larry Dean has served as the Riders’ middle linebacker for the past two seasons.
Dean was the Riders nominee for Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Defensive Player.
Dean, who is 35 years old, had five more tackles than the 29-year-old Thurman last year. However, Thurman had three more quarterback sacks.
Malik Carney
Defensive lineman Malik Carney has signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. (Source: X/Riderville.com)
A further addition to the Riders’ defensive line was made in Malik Carney. The 28-year-old from Virginia comes to Saskatchewan from the Hamilton Tiger Cats.
In 2023, the six foot three inches tall lineman set a career high in tackles, recording 52, while adding five sacks, one interception and one forced fumble.
He also recorded one knockdown and four tackles for a loss.
Over his 41 games, Carney registered 81 career tackles, five special teams tackles, 13 sacks, one interception and two forced fumbles.
Justin and Jordan Herdman-Reed
Jordan and Justin Heardman-Reed have been reunited with the Rirders. (Photo source: Saskatchewan Roughriders X page)
Twins Justin Herdman-Reed and Justin Herdman-Reed have been reunited after the Riders extended Justin’s contract and signed Jordan.
Both national linebackers, Justin initially signed with the Riders in 2021. He played 38 games with the Green and White, notching 25 tackles over three seasons.
He was selected by the Toronto Argonauts in the seventh round of the 2017 Draft. In his 40 games with the Argos, he registered 43 defensive tackles, 26 special teams tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Jordan returned to the Riders after spending the last season with the Calgary Stampeders, where he suited up for 16 teams and made 10 tackles.
He spent two seasons with the Green and White from 2021 to 2022, where he played 17 games and made six special teams tackles.
Subtractions
According to the CFL, wide receiver Tevin Jones has been acquired by the Montreal Alouettes.
The 31-year-old from Mississippi spent the past two seasons with the Green and White, racking up 882 yards from 65 receptions last season and three touchdowns.
In total, Jones recorded a total of 1,147 yards from 85 receptions and six touchdowns during his time in Saskatchewan.
Also leaving Saskatchewan is four season veteran of the Riders’ defensive line, Micah Teitz.
The linebacker from Calgary is returning to his hometown as he moves to the Stampeders.
During his time in the Green and white, he recorded 127 defensive tackles, 31 special teams tackles and three sacks.
Teitz played in 59 games from 2018 to 2023.
-- Check back here to follow the Saskatchewan Roughriders' latest announcements from the start of this year’s free agency period.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Opinion
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Decoy bear used to catch man who illegally killed a grizzly, B.C. conservation officers say
A man has been handed a lengthy hunting ban and fined thousands of dollars for illegally killing a grizzly bear, B.C. conservation officers say.
Britney Spears settles long-running legal dispute with estranged father, finally bringing ultimate end to conservatorship
Britney Spears has reached a settlement with her estranged father more than two years after the court-ordered termination of a conservatorship that had given him control of her life, their attorneys said.
Haida elder suing Catholic Church and priest, hopes for 'healing and reconciliation'
The lawyer for a residential school survivor leading a proposed class-action defamation lawsuit against the Catholic Church over residential schools says the court action is a last resort.
Last letters of pioneering climber who died on Everest reveal dark side of mountaineering
George Mallory is renowned for being one of the first British mountaineers to attempt to scale the dizzying heights of Mount Everest during the 1920s. Nearly a century later, newly digitized letters shed light on Mallory’s hopes and fears about ascending Everest.
It's 30 years since apartheid ended. South Africa's celebrations are set against growing discontent
South Africa marked 30 years since the end of apartheid and the birth of its democracy with a ceremony in the capital Saturday that included a 21-gun salute and the waving of the nation's multicolored flag.
opinion
opinion RFK Jr.'s presidential candidacy and its potential threat to Biden and Trump
Although it's still unclear how much damage Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s candidacy can do to either Joe Biden or Donald Trump this election, Washington political columnist Eric Ham says what is clear is both sides recognize the potential threat.
An emergency slide falls off a Delta Air Lines plane, forcing pilots to return to JFK in New York
An emergency slide fell off a Delta Air Lines jetliner shortly after takeoff Friday from New York, and pilots who felt a vibration in the plane circled back to land safely at JFK Airport.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatchewan's $90M social services initiative underway
Over six months after Saskatchewan's government announced a significant $90 million investment in social services, the initiative is reportedly making progress.
-
Saskatoon police investigating after body found at recycling facility
The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) and Saskatchewan Coroners Service are investigating after a woman’s body was found at a recycling facility Friday morning.
-
Four people arrested after attempted armed robbery in Saskatoon
Four people, including two teen girls, were arrested and charged after an attempted armed robbery on Thursday evening.
Winnipeg
-
A timeline of the Jeremy Skibicki case
The trial for the man accused of killing four Indigenous women in Winnipeg is set to get underway on April 29.
-
Avs rally for 6-2 win over Jets in Game 3
Nathan MacKinnon and Valeri Nichushkin scored on the power play during a five-goal, third-period outburst and the Colorado Avalanche rallied for a 6-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets in Game 3 on Friday night.
-
'All these families are now scrambling': Gimli parents concerned about policy changes to child care
Parents in Gimli who rely on child care before and after school are sounding the alarm over policy changes coming in September.
Edmonton
-
Kane makes impact with Gordie Howe hat trick, Oilers rout Kings to take series lead
Evander Kane’s teammates believe he’s tailor-made for the playoffs, and so does the man himself.
-
Haida elder suing Catholic Church and priest, hopes for 'healing and reconciliation'
The lawyer for a residential school survivor leading a proposed class-action defamation lawsuit against the Catholic Church over residential schools says the court action is a last resort.
-
Cat who jumped from burning balcony will recover: management company
A cat that jumped from the balcony of a burning building in downtown Edmonton on Thursday afternoon will make a full recovery, building officials say.
Calgary
-
Bandits get hat trick from Logan Sawyer en route to 8-2 win over Okotoks
The Brooks Bandits got down to business Friday, defeating the Okotoks Oilers 8-2.
-
Stabbing at Calgary Value Village under investigation by police
Calgary police took two people into custody on Friday after a stabbing in the community of Haysboro.
-
Haida elder suing Catholic Church and priest, hopes for 'healing and reconciliation'
The lawyer for a residential school survivor leading a proposed class-action defamation lawsuit against the Catholic Church over residential schools says the court action is a last resort.
Lethbridge
-
Bandits get hat trick from Logan Sawyer en route to 8-2 win over Okotoks
The Brooks Bandits got down to business Friday, defeating the Okotoks Oilers 8-2.
-
'No real winner' following first Alberta NDP leadership debate: political scientist
An Alberta political scientist said the NDP leadership hopefuls remained fairly even following the first of the party’s debates.
-
Multiple grass fires sparked near Kipp rail yard
It was a busy Wednesday evening for fire crews in Lethbridge County after multiple grass fires were sparked near the Kipp rail yard.
Toronto
-
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
-
Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony
One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.
-
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
Ottawa
-
No injuries reported following single-vehicle collision on Highway 15 in eastern Ontario
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) asked drivers to expect delays after a single-vehicle collision on Highway 15 near Brewers Mills Road Saturday morning.
-
City of Ottawa releases draft 1 of new zoning bylaw
The City of Ottawa says the release of the first draft provisions for Ottawa’s new zoning bylaw marks the start of the next step of the city’s growth and development.
-
Here's when the rain will start in Ottawa this Saturday
Though the temperatures are warm, the capital is going to have a rainy Saturday starting this afternoon.
Montreal
-
Montreal comic book artists claim Marvel abusing legal system in copyright battle
Montreal comic book artists Ben and Ray Lai claim Marvel and Disney are abusing the legal process in the Lai brothers' copyright infringement suit against the industry giants.
-
Sud-Ouest councillor Craig Sauve to be NDP candidate in riding left vacant by David Lametti
City councillor Craig Sauvé will run for the New Democratic Party (NDP) in Montreal's LaSalle-Émard-Verdun riding in the next general election.
-
Planning a summer trip to Quebec's Iles-de-la-Madeleine? You'll have to pay up.
Tens of thousands of visitors flock to Quebec's Iles-de-la-Madeleine every summer to behold its cliff-framed seascapes and sandy beaches. But starting next month, those island sojourns will come with an added cost.
Vancouver
-
Canucks defeat Predators in Game 3, take 2-1 series lead
J.T. Miller had a goal and assist and the Vancouver Canucks edged the Nashville Predators 2-1 to re-take the lead in their first-round playoff series.
-
Calls for changes to Hwy. 5 after CN Rail worker killed in head-on collision
The 36-year-old killed on Highway 5 this week has been identified as Juver Balmore, a husband and father of three young children who worked for CN Rail.
-
1 man in custody after suspicious fire at Surrey townhome, RCMP say
A fire that displaced three families from a townhouse complex in Surrey's Newton neighbourhood Friday afternoon is considered suspicious, local Mounties say.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. seeks ban on public drug use, dialing back decriminalization
The B.C. NDP has asked the federal government to recriminalize public drug use, marking a major shift in the province's approach to addressing the deadly overdose crisis.
-
Saanich to consider amalgamating fire department with Victoria, Esquimalt, Oak Bay
Saanich council will be discussing a report Monday prepared by Saanich Fire Chief Michael Kaye on the merits of amalgamating the fire departments of Victoria, Oak Bay, Esquimalt and Saanich.
-
B.C. composer with debilitating condition realizes dream of scoring movie
When Art Kinarthy embarked upon this quest, he never could have imagined where it would ultimately lead.
Kelowna
-
B.C. man rescues starving dachshund trapped in carrier: BC SPCA
An emaciated dachshund is now recovering thanks to a Good Samaritan who found the pup near a biking trail in Kelowna, according to the BC SPCA.
-
Search crews called in after missing Kelowna senior's truck found
Search and rescue crews have been called in after a vehicle belonging to a missing senior was located near a rural intersection outside of Kelowna Tuesday.
-
Homicide investigation underway after body found near Kelowna, B.C.
Major crime detectives in British Columbia are investigating a suspected homicide after a body was found in a remote area southeast Kelowna over the weekend.
London
-
Fatal crash victim identified as 24-year-old Western University graduate
A 24-year-old man who died Friday in a car crash on Highway 401 has been identified as Omar Barzak from London, Ont.
-
PLAYOFF TRACKER
PLAYOFF TRACKER London Knights defeat Saginaw in game 1 of Western Conference Finals
The London Knights resumed their playoff push on Friday night against the Saginaw Spirit at Budweiser Gardens.
-
City of London missed application deadline for federal reimbursement of shelter costs for asylum claimants
Efforts at city hall to get reimbursed by the federal government for costs incurred by asylum seekers might be too late.
Kitchener
-
Delays in Queen Victoria statue consultation have become 'disrespectful,' say Kitchener Indigenous community leaders
More than a year has passed since the City of Kitchener announced it was pausing community consultations on the future of the Queen Victoria statue in Victoria Park, and there is still no timeline for a resumption of the process.
-
250 Frederick Street ownership tied to alleged reno-victions in London, Hamilton
An investor with ties to apartment buildings across Ontario appears to be connected to 250 Frederick Street in Kitchener.
-
About 10 companies interested in Wilmot land, says Minister of Economic Investment
Ontario’s Minister of Economic Investment, Job Creation and Trade says a number of companies have shown interest in a tract of land the Region of Waterloo is trying to assemble in Wilmot Township.
Northern Ontario
-
Northern Ont. hunters fined $8,500 for illegal moose hunt
Two hunters from North Bay, Ont., and a third from Temagami pled guilty recently to offences they committed during a 2022 moose hunt.
-
OPP responds to apparent video of officer supporting anti-Trudeau government protestors
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says it's investigating an interaction between a uniformed officer and anti-Trudeau government protestors after a video circulated on social media.
-
Police in northern Ont. attacked by person they found lying in the street
Ontario Provincial Police responding to a disturbance in West Nipissing this week discovered a conscious person lying in the street.
Atlantic
-
First court appearance for boy and girl charged in death of Halifax 16-year-old
A girl and a boy, both 14 years old, made their first appearance today in a Halifax courtroom, where they each face a second-degree murder charge in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old high school student.
-
Cape Breton police find dead body in woods
Cape Breton Regional Police found a dead body in Sydney, N.S., Thursday evening.
-
Community steps up to support popular chef during cancer battle
A popular chef, who is fighting a battle against an aggressive form of cancer, is getting support from her community.
N.L.
-
Voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole never considered moving out of St. John's
Legendary sportscaster Bob Cole was a Newfoundlander through and through, and his daughter says his connection to the province was 'everything' to him.
-
Cenovus fined $2.5 million for biggest oil spill in Newfoundland and Labrador history
Cenovus Energy has been ordered to pay a $2.5-million fine for its role in the largest offshore oil spill ever recorded in Newfoundland and Labrador.
-
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
