It appears as though Ed Gainey has played his last game as a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The 31-year-old posted this cryptic message early Wednesday morning. Gainey has spent the past five seasons with Saskatchewan after signing with the team as a free agent in February 2016.
Thanks for everything rider nation.
— Ed Gainey (@Multifacet_ED) February 2, 2022
When a local fan replied to the tweet, Gainey stated that he’s not with the team anymore and suggested it was because he is too passionate about the game.
That’s how much passion I have for the game. Unfortunately I feel like it’s the same reason I’m not with the riders anymore.
— Ed Gainey (@Multifacet_ED) February 2, 2022
“The reality is every year the team’s going to be different, it’s not always going to be the same and there’s going to be some changes and there’s going to be some adjustments to the team,” general manager Jeremy O’Day said later on Wednesday.
“We did talk to representation for Ed and did talk to him and say that we weren’t going to offer him back. We did reach out to his representation and let him know, and still are planning on having a conversation with Ed, but we did let him know we weren’t going to offer him back.”
The nine-year CFL veteran broke into the league with the Montreal Alouettes in 2012 and played 21 games over two seasons with the team. He made 12 defensive tackles, 11 special teams tackles, and scored one touchdown with the club prior to his release in June 2014.
Gainey signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats the following month and dressed for 22 games over two season, making 56 defensive tackles, 14 special teams tackles, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. He wasn’t retained following the 2015 season, allowing him to test free agency.
The five-foot-eleven, 193-pound cover man has been with the Riders ever since and was named a CFL all-star in 2017 and 2018. His best year came in 2017 when he made 49 total tackles and a league-leading 10 interceptions.
Gainey is set to officially become a free agent on Tuesday, Feb. 8 and it appears like a foregone conclusion that he will be testing the market after five seasons with Saskatchewan.
