The Saskatchewan Roughriders will be making a host of personnel decisions in the coming weeks and months as they turn their attention to the 2025 Canadian Football League season.
And while general manager Jeremy O’Day kept his cards close during a recent post-season media availability with regards to players returning and signing, he had nothing but praise for one of the key engineers of Saskatchewan’s late-season run -- quarterback Trevor Harris.
Asked if there had been any progress in re-signing the popular pivot, O’Day pointed out that the team is in the early stages of evaluations, and decisions will be made carefully.
“Our year ended, then we went to Grey Cup, and then the coaches turn their evaluations in like we do every year, and then we have those discussions that are happening this week,” O’Day said. “So we haven't made a decision on any of the players yet as far as who's coming back, who we want back. That doesn't mean that we do want them back or we don't want them back.”
Having said that, O’Day quickly pointed out that Harris was an extremely valuable member of the team, even beyond what fans saw on the field come game time.
“I will say Trevor is everything that you see on a regular basis when he speaks, when he's in the huddle, when he's in the locker room, when he's home with his family. He's a true leader,” O’Day said.
“There's not enough weight that we can put on what he does for the organization. And someone who came here only two years ago, the impact that he has on the younger players, his work ethic, his preparation that most people wouldn't see, the amount of time that he spends communicating with (offensive coordinator) Marc (Mueller), he’s a tremendous person. I thought it was just awesome how he persevered going through an injury this year.”
Harris suffered a knee injury midway through the third game of the season, and had already put up 872 yards passing and seven touchdown passes in that span. He returned in Week 11 and went on a tear, finishing with 3,264 yards passing and 20 touchdowns against only nine interceptions while suiting up in 12 games.
Harris’ return was key to the Roughriders posting a 9-8-1 record and playing for first place in the West Division on the final day of the regular season, with the team eventually reaching the West Final before falling to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
It all led to Harris being named a West Division all-star when the league awards were announced.
“Coming back, playing at that level after coming back from an injury is very impressive,” O'Day said. “To be a division all-star after missing six games is quite impressive. Especially in the quarterback position. So we love Trevor. And those are obviously discussions that we'll have moving forward, but nothing to report right now.”
Be sure to keep an eye on SportsCage.com and listen to 620 CKRM for regular updates during the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offseason.
