Saskatchewan Roughriders kicker Brett Lauther kicks a field goal against the Montreal Alouettes on Sept. 14, 2019. (Saskatchewan Roughriders)

Brett Lauther opts out of Riders’ contract to pursue NFL opportunities

By CJME News Aug 23, 2020 | 2:56 PM

Canadian placekicker Brett Lauther is leaving the Saskatchewan Roughriders, at least for now.

Lauther will be opting out of his current contract to pursue NFL opportunities.

The 29-year-old made the announcement on Facebook Sunday morning.

“As I prepare to continue down the unbeaten path and take the biggest risk of my life opting out of my CFL contract in hopes of a chance at the NFL I can’t help but to stop and say thank you to everyone along this crazy journey,” the post reads.

The Truro, Nova Scotia native had an 85.1 per cent success rate over the two seasons, making 86 of 101 field-goal attempts as a member of the Riders. In 2019, Lauther was good on 32 of 41 attempts, including a 26-yard walk off field goal to win the Labour Day Classic 19-17 over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers where Lauther and punter Jon Ryan ran the length of the field to celebrate with fans in Pil Country, located behind the south end zone.

Lauther joined the Roughriders in 2018 and eventually earned the starting job.

Lauther’s existing contract was set to expire in February 2021.