While the free agent negotiation window is open, so are the lines of communication between C-F-L insiders and their well-placed sources!

For a second straight day, multiple media outlets are saying the Saskatchewan Roughriders will make significant free agent player signings a week from today. Eastern all-star running back A-J Ouellette and veteran import linebacker Jameer Thurman, from Toronto and Hamilton respectively, are said to have agreed to terms with the Green and White. On Monday, the reports had import offensive tackle Jermarcus Hardrick inking a two-year deal with the Riders and leaving Winnipeg. Free agents can agree to terms on a contract with a particular team for 2024, however, these deals aren’t legally binding and can’t be finalized or made official until after free agency opens next Tuesday at 11 a.m., Saskatchewan Time.

Meanwhile, Saskatchewan officially announced they have signed Canadian defensive back Godfrey Onyeka to a one-year contract extension. Following is the official news release from the Roughriders…..

DATE:                       February 6, 2024

RELEASE TIME:      IMMEDIATELY

RELEASE:                SR24-021

CANADIAN DEFENSIVE BACK GODFREY ONYEKA INKS EXTENSION

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed National defensive back Godfrey Onyeka to a one-year contract extension.

Onyeka (6’2-200) suffered a torn pectoral muscle during the preseason but battled back to play four games to end the 2023 campaign.

The Brampton, Ontario native initially signed with the Riders in 2021 and has suited up for 11 regular season games over the 2021 and 2022 seasons, as well as for the 2021 West Final. He registered 26 defensive tackles and nine special teams tackles over that time. Those who arrive at Mosaic Stadium early on game days would recognize Onyeka as he is often playing catch with fans in the stands during pre-game.

The 29-year-old was selected in the second round (10th overall) by Edmonton in the 2018 CFL Draft. He went on to play two seasons and 27 games with the Elks, tallying five defensive tackles and 13 special teams tackles.

Collegiately, he was a standout at Wilfred Laurier University, where he was a three-time USPORTS First Team All-Canadian, a three-time OUA First Team All-Star and a 2014 OUA All-Rookie. In 2016, he helped the Golden Hawks win the OUA Championship.