AJ Ouellette returns to Roughriders with one-year extension

The Saskatchewan Roughriders re-signed AJ Ouellette on a one-year deal after a 1,000-yard season and Grey Cup playoff performance. Jacob Carr has more.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders and Rider Nation can look forward to at least one more season of A.J. Ouellette, as the running back has signed a one-year contract extension on Sunday.

The Ohio native had hoped to stay with the team, drawn by his connection with quarterback Trevor Harris and the chance to win back-to-back Grey Cups.

“The bond that me and Trevor have, developed over the two years. Then him signing and getting pumped he gets to play another season of football and possibly three more. We’ll see how he feels after this one. But it was a big, big reason [why I re-signed],” said Ouellette.

The Riders enter 2026 as defending Grey Cup champions, carrying a target on their backs, and TSN’s Farhan Lalji and Dave Naylor report that several players have already signed with other teams during the free agency communication window.

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Defensive lineman Malik Carney is joining the Edmonton Elks, while linebackers CJ Reavis and AJ Allen are heading to Ottawa to play for the Redblacks. Western Final hero Tommy Nield has signed with the rival Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

But Ouellette knows that’s just part of professional football.

“[Last season] was the last time that group is going to be together. You wish the best for everyone. If finances are what they need for them and their family the next season, I hope they go get it somewhere,” he said. “Every time you see an old teammate sign, it doesn’t matter if it’s someone I played with the first year, in Toronto, I still want to see them sign and play if their hearts in it.”

Ouellette is no stranger to entering a season as the hunted, having won a Grey Cup with Toronto in 2022. He says mixing confidence with a strong work ethic is key.

“That will be my leadership going into this season — to have that confidence, but back it up with the work like you did the previous year. You should be confident; we just won, right? Walk with your chest out, but put in the work,” he said.

CFL teams have until noon on Feb. 8 to speak with pending free agents, though no deals can become legally binding until Feb. 10.