REGINA -- With the kind of season former Saskatchewan Roughriders offensive lineman Trevor Reid had in 2024, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before bigger opportunities came calling.
And sure enough, that’s exactly what happened this off-season.
The Riders nominee for Most Outstanding Rookie worked out for the Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals, drawing enough interest that he received his release from Saskatchewan to pursue NFL opportunities.
That request was granted, and it may not be long before Reid ends up plying his trade with the big boys down south.
Losing a player of that calibre and with so much future potential is always tough for a Canadian Football League team, but Roughriders' head coach Corey Mace is proud to see Reid earn a shot at the next level.
“[Trevor is] a young man, 24-years-old, but athletically he's one of the biggest freaks I've ever seen,” Mace said in a conversation with the 620 CKRM Sportscage crew. “I'm not shocked that he's going to get this opportunity. You're elated for those guys and at the potential of being able to carve out a career for themselves, still playing the game that they love.”
The fact remains that the economics are far too lucrative for a player to even consider turning down an NFL opportunity. Should he succeed at cracking an NFL active roster, Reid could make at least $795,000 next season, more than triple what the top offensive linemen in the CFL earn. And that could turn into millions should he become an impact player.
“I know that he really enjoyed his time here, but [look at] what potentially this could bring for him and his family moving forward,” Mace said. “If it's something that works out for him down there, you're happy for those guys from that standpoint.”
This won’t be Reid’s first go-around with the NFL, as he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2023 after a stellar career at the University of Louisville. After rookie camp with the Eagles, Reid took part in training camp with the Atlanta Falcons prior to eventually joining the Roughriders.
Despite NFL tryouts leading to CFL teams losing elite players, Mace would have no problem with more players from Saskatchewan getting another crack at the four-down game.
“You kind of wish that opportunity is there for everybody and there's so many guys that you wish could have certain opportunities,” Mace said. “But they're going to pick who they who they want.”
With Reid moving on, the Roughriders will keep their focus on who will be back next season and getting ready for what is hoped to be a banner campaign.
“The guys that are here, they know what it's all about, specifically in this building,” Mace said. “I know guys are itching to get back here. We wish him nothing but the absolute best. I know all these guys will be watching, cheering for him.”
