Trevor Harris is clearly one veteran Saskatchewan Roughrider who is contemplating his football future, but he isn’t the only one.
Defensive back Tevaughn Campbell, long snapper Mike Benson, and offensive lineman Jermarcus Hardrick all addressed the possibility of continuing their CFL careers next season at the team’s year-end availability. All three are pending free agents.
Campbell and Benson expressed some doubts that they’ll continue playing, whereas Hardrick is sure he doesn’t want to hang him his cleats quite yet.
Campbell, 33, sustained a broken forearm on Aug. 1 at Edmonton and missed eight games before returning Oct. 12 at Montreal. He was sidelined for five games last season with a broken jaw.
“Injuries definitely play a part,” said Campbell, who had three pass knockdowns and 24 tackles this season. “I’m not going to lie about that, especially being my age in the league. Suffering back-to-back years of broken bones, it weighs heavy on me.
“I’m undecided right now. We’ll make that decision in the offseason coming up here.”
Benson, 39, missed all but one game last season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers due to injury. He figured that was it for his CFL career.
The Riders signed him in June, just before their second game, after Aaron Crawford sustained a knee injury. Benson suited up in 17 games this season was an all-star at his position.
His wife, Chantal, and their 5-year-old son being in Winnipeg will weigh heavily into the decision.
“You spend five years at home, and you get to go back to your actual house. It’s such a luxury that I definitely took for granted,” Benson said. “I was walking into the sunset after the 2025 season. This was all just bonus time for me. I was just so grateful for every experience I had here. If I’m fortunate enough and lucky enough to be able to squeeze out another year, then that’s incredible.
“Unfortunately, the body has other thoughts. We’ll have to go have a sidebar conversation later. If I’m fortunate enough to have another opportunity to come back, this organization is top tier. I had an amazing experience.”
Hardrick, 36, appeared in 17 games and was part of an offensive line that surrendered 29 sacks during the regular season – second best in the CFL. He left no doubt he’d like to continue playing football, and continue playing for the Riders.
“My wife and kids want to be here. I want to be here,” he said. “Hopefully, we can make it work. I’ve just got to get better. I want to get better. There’s some people I’ve got to hit in this league.
“I’ll be pissed off this offseason. Good things come when you’re pissed off. It’s time to get better. It’s time to get back on with it. Whatever we got to do to get to the promised land. In 2027, (the Grey Cup) is here. I would love to do it here. Let’s do it.”
