To say this is an important off-season in Saskatchewan is an understatement.
For the first time since 2013, the Roughriders are legitimate contenders to at least reach the Gray Cup. The team has shown considerable growth under first-year head coach Corey Mays and the rest of the West Division, apart from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, is in a period of transition.
I don’t expect general manager Jeremy O’Day to approach this offseason the way he did before the club hosted the Gray Cup 12 years ago, but he should remain busy nonetheless.
O’Day has already removed one name from his list Signed a one-year extension with starting quarterback Trevor Harris.Harris would also have been the eighth name on my list, so we’d be one less ahead of our fellow contributors.
Here are seven more names I think the team should re-sign. Players are listed alphabetically by last name. Please note that “A” denotes citizens (ie Canadians) and “A” denotes Americans.
DL Miles Brown(A)
Even though it was a tale of two seasons for Brown, there is no doubt that he is an effective figure in the middle of the team’s defensive line.
I don’t think it’s unreasonable to suggest Comments by Winnipeg Blue Bombers President Wade Miller He got a little insight into Brown’s hit on Zach Collaros in the Labor Day Classic. An unintentional low hit on Chris Streveler the following week made matters even worse for Brown, who picked up only two of his 13 defensive tackles after those games ended.
Even though Brown didn’t light up the stat sheet in 2024 — he also had two sacks and a forced fumble — he still played in 18 games, as well as both playoff matchups. He’s a high-motor guy who can pressure the pocket and the coaching staff clearly likes his game.
DL Malik Carney(A)
It was a big year for the 29-year-old native of Alexandria, Virginia, who was named both 3downnation And pro football focus CFL All-Star Teams.
Carney was strong on the edge of the Riders’ defensive line, racking up 26 tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble. He is not just a one-trick pony as he is effective in both pass and run defense.
Carney isn’t the fastest rushing player in the CFL, but he is consistently reliable. At such an important position, he is a player the team would not want to lose.
DL Brian Cox Jr. (A)
whatever blue bomber turns off fans Should be in the good books of Rider Nation.
Additionally, the University of Florida product took a big step forward in his second year with the team after a stint in the NFL. The 30-year-old finished the season with 24 defensive tackles and six sacks.
The former Carolina Panther is one of the few new faces who forced the mays, earning more playing time as the season progressed. Riders should expect even more from Cox in 2025.
OL Peter Godber(N)
For the first time in a few years, the offensive line was not an issue for Saskatchewan in 2024, even though almost everyone missed some time throughout the season.
A major reason for the line’s success for most of the season was the play of veteran center Peter Godber, who was often described as the straw that stirred the drink, even though there was a revolving door of players around him.
Native of Toronto, Ontario. Ultimately missed some time himself and even though Saskatchewan’s Logan Ferland performed admirably, it’s impossible to ignore Godber’s contributions since joining the Riders in 2023.
WR Mitchell Pickton(N)
It’s not very often that a team’s sixth receiver makes a list like this, but Mitchell Pickton is that guy for the Riders.
Pickton isn’t the flashiest receiver and doesn’t put up big numbers, but there can be no questioning his value to his hometown club. I don’t think it’s crazy to say that when offensive players were having trouble closing out games on their own, the Riders missed them. You can count on Pickton to make a big first down catch late in the game. A touchdown to win? Picton. you get the picture.
The University of Regina product has often been cited as very valuable as a starting tackle due to his ability to play any position in the receiving corps. While this probably isn’t entirely fair to Picton, it says a lot.
DB Marcus Sales(A)
The Riders still want to give the BC Lions a thank you basket or something for cutting Sayles in training camp.
After a tough first game in the green and white, Sales became Saskatchewan’s best defensive back behind Most Outstanding Player nominee Rolan Milligan Jr. Sales thinks Mays is the kind of player he likes with his playmaking ability.
Alpharetta, Ga. The 30-year-old native of Washington finished second on the team in tackles on the season with his 57 tackles and four interceptions to go along with one fumble recovery.
LB Jameer Thurman(A)
Saving the best for last? Perhaps.
Thurman is not only a “capital G” good middle linebacker for the Riders, but he is also a guy with heart and soul on defense. Thurman played under Mays in Calgary, and it’s clear the coach and the leader of his defense are on the same page and work well together.
If not for one season for Milligan Jr., Thurman would have been the Riders’ nominee for Most Outstanding Defensive Player. His 76 defensive tackles were second on the team and he also recorded one sack, two interceptions, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.
It’s hard to imagine the Riders’ defense without Thurman.
Post The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ seven pending free agents should re-sign for 2025 first appeared on 3downnation,
