Shire: 10 things the Roughriders need to do this off-season

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While the Saskatchewan Roughriders don’t have to make a major coaching move this off-season, there’s still a long list of things the CFL club needs before the 2025 season.

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After a 9-8-1 season under first-year head coach Corey Mace, the team took a step forward last season after back-to-back year of missing the playoffs.

And if the Green and White want to continue to build on the foundation that was put down in 2024, here are 10 things they need this off-season:

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1. Starting quarterback

The biggest decision the Roughriders need to make this off-season is who their starting quarterback will be in 2025 as Trevor Harris is a pending free agent.

While many wanted to see Vernon Adams Jr. or Davis Alexander land in Saskatchewan this off-season, those names are off the board and Harris is the best option available.

Harris has expressed his desire to be back for a third season, but the deal would need to make sense for him and his family. He’s clearly still capable of being an elite quarterback and should be brought back.

2. Backup quarterback

While QB1 is the biggest need for the Riders, QB2 is also near the top of the list.

Should Shea Patterson, a pending free agent, be re-signed? Will the team sign a new short-yardage quarterback who also serves as the backup? Is third-stringer Jack Coan ready to move up the depth chart in his second season?

These are questions the team will need to answer as February’s free agency period nears with several experienced backup quarterbacks available.

3. Cornerback

The Roughriders need to find a shutdown cornerback this off-season.

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Amari Henderson, a pending free agent, was exposed in the Western final loss against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Also set to hit the open market is Deontai Williams, who lost his starting spot to Henderson.

4. Re-sign Sayles

The Riders might need two shutdown cornerbacks if they let Marcus Sayles hit free agency.

After being cut by the B.C. Lions following training camp, Sayles signed with the Riders and went on to put together an all-star season.

He said he wants to return to Saskatchewan and it should be an easy decision to bring him back.

5. Defensive line

A big reason why the Roughriders were so good against the run last year was because of their defensive line, who are basically all free agents.

Starters Micah Johnson, Bryan Cox Jr., Malik Carney and Miles Brown all deserve consideration to be extended while it appears Anthony Lanier II could be moving on after being a healthy scratch late in the year.

Charbel Dabire and Christian Albright, who both suffered season-ending injuries early last season, are also without contracts for 2025.

If they can fit all of those players under the salary cap, it should be an easy decision to re-sign most of them.

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6. Re-sign Thurman

While halfback Rolan Milligan Jr. stole the spotlight, middle linebacker Jameer Thurman had an outstanding season last year and should be re-signed.

In his first year with the Green and White, Thurman was the defensive leader who is among the team’s most reliable players.

7. Re-sign Godber

While the Roughriders have eight offensive lineman under contract for next year, their leader in the middle, Peter Godber, is a pending free agent.

Although he missed six games last year with an injury, Godber has been a steady presence at centre and should be brought back next season to anchor a group that should be even better than they were this year.

8. Return specialist

While Mario Alford was brilliant in 2022 and equally good in 2023, he didn’t exactly light it up as a returner in 2024.

With the 32-year-old set to become a free agent, the Roughriders could be in the market for a new return specialist.

9. Starting safety

After earning the starting safety job over Jayden Dalke, Nelson Lokombo continued to progress as the season went along before notching his first career interception in the playoffs.

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If Lokombo wants to be back, the Riders should re-sign the second overall pick in 2021 and see if takes another step forward in his second season as a starter.

10. Canadian depth

Of the league-high 32 free agents the Riders have, 16 of them are Canadian and having quality Canadian talent is important for CFL teams.

With names like A.J. Allen, Ryan Sceviour, Mitch Picton, Noah Zerr and the Herdman-Reed twins all pending free agents, the Roughriders should secure deals for those players who not only show their value through special teams but can be starters at any moment.

tshire@postmedia.com

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