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The Saskatchewan Roughriders have brought back one of the CFL’s top special-teams tacklers.
Canadian linebacker A.J. Allen has signed a one-year contract extension with the CFL club.
The Burlington, Ont. product had 22 special teams tackles this past season, tying with Toronto Argonaut Jack Cassar for number-one spot in the league.
Allen played all 18 regular season games, making seven defensive tackles and returning a spectacular interception for a touchdown in Week 19 against the B.C. Lions.
Read More:
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Allen was selected by the Roughriders in the fourth round (35th overall) of the 2020 CFL Draft, and played his first game on June 11, 2022. He’s since appeared in 42 games, recording 32 defensive tackles and 47 special teams tackles.
Before the CFL, Allen played five seasons at the University of Guelph. He returned to school for the 2021 season and capped off a stellar collegiate career by receiving the President’s Award as the OUA’s Most Outstanding Stand-Up Defensive Player as well as being named an All-Canadian and OUA All-Star.
This is the latest free agent signing by the Riders, who also signed defensive end Benoit Marion to a contract extension on Wednesday.
One player who might not be back for the Riders next season is offensive tackle Trevor Reid, who was released in order to pursue an NFL opportunity.
The Riders still have 24 pending free agents.
