Saskatchewan Roughriders general manager Jeremy O'Day has been busy trying to put together another championship team in 2026. (Image Credit: Britton Gray/980 CJME)

By Britton Gray/CJME

Rider Nation

CFL Free Agency to open as Saskatchewan Roughriders put together 2026 roster

Feb 10, 2026 | 9:19 AM

CFL free agents can officially sign with their new teams Tuesday.

After the CFL Free Agent communication window last week, reported deals can now become reality with the period opening.

After winning the Grey Cup in 2025, the Saskatchewan Roughriders appear set to lose a few key contributors despite being able to retain a good number of them. It remains to be seen how active the Riders will be come free agency as not a lot of reports came out about who the Riders would be signing.

One of the additions to the Riders this season is returner James Letcher Jr. The speedster was released by the Montreal Alouettes in order to sign the contract ahead of free agency. He spent three seasons with Montreal but only played nine games in 2025. Last season, he returned 39 punts for 428 yards and 19 kickoffs for 476 yards, while adding five receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown.

The Riders have also officially signed linebacker Josh Woods to a deal. The 28-year-old has spent the past five seasons with the B.C. Lions. He played in 14 games for the Lions last season, starting in 10 of them.

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James Vaughters has reportedly agreed to a deal with Saskatchewan. The 32-year-old defensive end will enter his sixth CFL season, spending four years in Calgary and last season in Winnipeg. He was in the NFL from 2019 until he rejoined the CFL in 2023.

Vaughters has 27 sacks in his CFL career and provides a veteran presence as the team appears set to lose one of the top pass-rushers in the CFL

Reports are that defensive end Malik Carney will join the Edmonton Elks. Carney played in all 18 games for the Riders this past season, recording eight sacks. Also reportedly set to join him is wide receiver Joe Robustelli, who had 544 yards and three touchdowns for Saskatchewan.

The Ottawa Redblacks appear set to bring in a number of 2025 Riders into the fold.

Reports are the team has signed stalwart defenders such as linebackers A.J. Allen and C.J. Reavis as well as defensive end Habakkuk Baldonado and quarterback Jake Maier.

Allen was named the Riders’ Most Outstanding Canadian after a breakout season where he had 87 tackles, four sacks and three interceptions. Reavis, who was an all-CFLer for the second time in his career last season, had 61 tackles and an interception in 2025.

It’s also reported that CFL West Final hero Tommy Nield will be set to join the Bombers once free agency opens.

Deals can become official at 11 a.m.

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