Roughiders’ Jermarcus Hardrick wants to return for 2027 season

As Jermarcus Hardrick left the CFL West semifinal, there were some questions about whether it could have been the 36-year-old’s final season.

But he quickly put any worries to rest about that, as he is already focused on 2027.

“Definitely have to get better. Looking forward to getting better. My kids and wife want me to keep playing. I want to keep playing, so hope I can work things out,” Hardrick said as his teammates cleared out their lockers on Sunday.

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“It’s time to get better, time to get back hungry and time to get back to whatever we have to do to get back to the promised land.”

The right tackle is a pending free agent. He has been with the Riders since 2024 after spending seven seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Hardrick was the CFL’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2025.

“I’m going to let my agent do the work. (The Grey Cup) is here in 2027. My wife and kids want to be here. I want to be here. Hopefully we can make it work,” Hardrick said. “I just have to get better; I want to get better. There are some people I got to hit in this league and I want to do it with the S on.”

The Riders’ season came to an end in Vancouver as Saskatchewan lost to the B.C. Lions 33-26 in the semifinal matchup.

While Saskatchewan went into the game as the underdog, they built a 17-3 lead in the contest.

Hardrick admitted he didn’t think they would be clearing out their lockers so quickly this season.

“Just disappointed. Wanted it for the province, wanted it for everyone. Not what we thought was going to be today but here we are,” Hardrick said. “There were some things that happened throughout the season that happened in the West semifinal. We’re not perfect. I just wish it hadn’t happened then. The biggest thing I saw was guys fighting to the end. They really cared and it mattered to the guys.

“That’s the part that hurts the most. You know the locker room won’t be the same. Football is short-lived. The group you have now is the group you want to do it with and you won’t be able to do it with them. That sucks.”

While Hardrick has made a decision about his future, a couple of Riders still need to announce their playing intentions for next season, including quarterback Trevor Harris.

Riders sign two along the offensive line

Saskatchewan has already announced the return of two of their depth pieces for the 2026 season.

The team announced American offensive linemen Thomas Perry and Jaison Williams have signed contract extensions.

Perry played three regular-season games with the Riders this season. Prior to signing with the team in April, he attended NFL rookie minicamps with the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025.

Williams signed with Saskatchewan in February and spent most of the season on the practice roster. He played right tackle in the team’s regular-season finale.