Rider Nation is eager to see how the Saskatchewan Roughriders will approach the offseason. Still, Plaza of Honour member Scott Schultz believes patience will be important as the Green and White begin putting the pieces together for 2027.
The Roughriders re-signed promising American offensive linemen Thomas Perry and Jaison Williams on Tuesday. However, with more than 30 players eligible to become free agents, plenty of questions remain about which members of the 2026 roster will return.
During his weekly Midweek Sound Off on the SportsCage, Schultz reminded fans that the offseason process takes time and that the Roughriders football operations staff needs to evaluate options carefully.
“You've got to let things run their course, and then we'll see what availabilities and options our executive staff comes up with and how they build this team back,” Schultz said.
One of the biggest questions facing Saskatchewan is quarterback Trevor Harris's future. The 40-year-old has yet to announce whether he intends to return for another season or call it a career.
Schultz believes Harris has nothing left to prove in terms of accomplishments but feels the decision should ultimately come down to how much physical ability the veteran quarterback has left.
“He's had a tremendous career,” Schultz said. “Look at some of the highlights and achievements that he's been able to accomplish. Being able to say that you've passed Doug Flutie on the passing list is major.
“To me, it would all come down to your body and making sure he's feeling good and he feels like he can do it again. I don't know why he wouldn't come back, I hope he does.”
Schultz knows firsthand that walking away from professional football isn't always easy. The former Roughriders defensive lineman spent nine seasons in the CFL. He said that even after retirement, the desire to compete never completely disappears.
“It was a great career at one of the most physical positions there is. It's a meat grinder down there. I can tell you from today, I have not played enough football,” Schultz said. “I still coach. You're coaching high school. You're coaching flag football. You're coaching two-hand touch. My advice would be: Make sure you're done if you're done.”
Another significant factor in Saskatchewan's offseason plans could be the changing quarterback market around the CFL.
Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly's five-year contract, reportedly worth more than $1 million annually, has raised expectations for quarterback salaries.
With Harris coming off another productive season, Schultz understands the veteran pivot could be looking for a raise as part of any potential return to Saskatchewan.
“Everybody wants one. Everyone tries for one,” Schultz said. “You try to leverage what what you can to get them to come your way and see what happens.”
However, Schultz also recognizes that general manager Jeremy O'Day faces some difficult decisions beyond simply trying to retain as many players as possible.
The Roughriders must balance rewarding the veterans who helped deliver a Grey Cup championship with identifying areas where the roster needs to get younger and faster.
“For Jeremy, it's tough because it's not simply a matter of bringing back everyone,” Schultz said. “It's identifying which veterans still are core pieces and where the team needs to become younger and faster.”
For a Saskatchewan team hosting the 2027 Grey Cup, plenty of roster decisions lie ahead.
But as Schultz suggests, patience may be the best approach while the Roughriders front office works through the process.
You can hear Scott Schultz and his Midweek Sound Off every Wednesday on the SportsCage.
And that's Between The Lines for Sheppard Realty in Regina, specializing in farm and ranch real estate in Saskatchewan. Call Harry, Justin or Devan at 352-1866.
