The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed Canadian linebacker Ryder Varga to a two-year contract through the 2027 C-F-L season on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old played 13 regular-season games with Toronto last year before suffering a year-ending torn A-C-L in his knee last September. The Regina product and U of Regina grad was selected in the third round of the 2022 C-F-L Draft by B-C Lions. He played in 36 regular-season games with the Lions, but was traded to Toronto last off-season in exchange for offensive lineman Dejon Allen. Following is the news release from the Riders…..
DATE: May 6, 2026
RELEASE TIME: IMMEDIATELY
RELEASE: SR26-80
RIDERS SIGN HOMETOWN LINEBACKER RYDER VARGA
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed National linebacker Ryder Varga to a two-year contract.
Varga (6’3-225) returns to his home province of Saskatchewan, after spending 2025 with the Toronto Argonauts. The Regina native made 10 special teams tackles for the Argos last season, suiting up for 13 games.
Varga was selected by the B.C. Lions in the third round, 29th overall, of the 2022 CFL Draft. He made his CFL debut on June 9, 2023 and went on to play all 18 games of his rookie season earning nine defensive tackles, 13 special teams tackles and one sack. He built off his rookie year with a strong sophomore season, registering 73 defensive tackles, five special teams tackles and one sack. He also played three postseason games for the Lions, two in 2023 and one in 2024.
Collegiately, the 27-year-old played in 30 games over five seasons (2018-2022) at University of Regina. He recorded a total of 129 tackles, including 21 for a loss, seven sacks, and four forced fumbles. He was named First Team All-Canadian and Canada West’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player as a senior in 2022 and was a two time as Canada West All-Star (2021-22).
