Championship Celebration Fuels Repeat Ambition
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are barely days removed from their triumphant 2025 Grey Cup victory, yet the organization's focus has already shifted toward an even greater challenge: winning back-to-back championships. Following Sunday's decisive win over the Montreal Alouettes in Winnipeg, the team returned to Regina for a victory parade that saw running back A.J. Ouellette raising the Grey Cup before cheering fans at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building.
As the celebrations culminated with the traditional Garbage Bag Day at Mosaic Stadium, where players clean out their lockers, a unified sentiment emerged throughout the locker room. Despite numerous pending free agents, the overwhelming desire among players is to keep the championship core intact for another run at the Grey Cup in 2026.
Free Agency Decisions Loom for Championship Roster
The Roughriders face significant roster decisions this offseason with several key contributors entering free agency. While linebacker Jameer Thurman, who remains under contract for 2026, emphasized the importance of continuity for sustained success, he acknowledged the business realities of professional football.
"When you can continually play with the same guys for a long period of time, that's where the success comes from," Thurman stated. "So I do think that it's important that we get a lot of our guys back for our team next year that were part of this championship team."
Among the notable pending free agents is Grey Cup MVP quarterback Trevor Harris, who indicated he would be "shocked" if he retired, suggesting his intention to continue playing. The Roughriders also face potential departures from several offensive weapons including receivers KeeSean Johnson, Dohnte Meyers, Samuel Emilus, and Kian Schaffer-Baker.
Defensively, the team could see changes with Micah Johnson, Malik Carney, C.J. Reavis, A.J. Allen, and Tevaughn Campbell all approaching free agency.
Balancing Championship Culture with Financial Realities
Thurman provided candid insight into the dilemma facing many teammates this offseason, recognizing that championship success often attracts interest from other teams willing to offer more money or increased playing time.
"There will be some guys that will be making those type of decisions, for sure," Thurman acknowledged. "At the end of the day, this game, you're not promised it for a long time. So if there's any chance that you can get some money that could provide for yourself and your family, and that's what you need to do, then guys are going to make those decisions."
However, Thurman also highlighted the financial benefits of continued playoff success, noting that "when you're on winning teams, that little bit of money that you got from somewhere else, you can get in playoff money and championship money." He emphasized that players should consider this when evaluating their options.
The linebacker expressed understanding for teammates seeking greater opportunities elsewhere, particularly those who might have received limited playing time during the championship season. "No one wants to not play," Thurman said. "So if there's a chance for guys to break out somewhere else, more power to them. We play this game to play football, so I'm not going to be mad for anyone going for anywhere that they can progress in their career."
As the Roughriders organization begins its offseason planning, the challenge will be balancing financial constraints with the clear desire from both players and management to maintain the chemistry that delivered Saskatchewan's latest Grey Cup championship.
