The Saskatchewan Roughriders have added some hometown talent to their linebacking corps.
The club announced Wednesday that Regina product Ryder Varga has signed a two-year contract with the team.
Varga returns to Saskatchewan after spending the 2025 season with the Toronto Argonauts, where he recorded 10 special teams tackles in 13 games.
The 27-year-old was originally selected by the BC Lions in the third round, 29th overall, of the 2022 CFL Draft. He made his CFL debut in 2023 and played all 18 games during his rookie season, posting nine defensive tackles, 13 special teams tackles and one sack.
Varga followed that up with a breakout sophomore campaign in 2024, registering 73 defensive tackles, five special teams tackles and another sack. He also appeared in three playoff games during his time with the Lions.
Before turning pro, Varga starred with the Regina Rams at the University of Regina. Over five seasons, he totaled 129 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, seven sacks and four forced fumbles in 30 games.
In 2022, Varga was named a First Team All-Canadian and Canada West’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player. He was also a two-time Canada West All-Star.
