The Saskatchewan Roughriders have agreed to terms with Jermarcus Hardick and, barring anything unforeseen, he’s expected to sign a two-year contract through the 2025 season, per sources.
Hardrick becomes the highest-paid American offensive lineman in the three-down league. He will collect a $120,000 signing bonus as part of a deal that totals $230,500 in hard money for both years. There’s an additional $6,000 available in all-star incentives. Agent Fred Weinrauch negotiated Hardrick’s agreement. He also represents the highest-paid Canadian offensive lineman in the league, Drew Desjairlais.
The 33-year-old started 18 regular-season games for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2023, earning his second career CFL all-star selection while becoming the West Division finalist for Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman. He started both of Winnipeg’s playoff games, making a fourth consecutive Grey Cup appearance.
The University of Nebraska product was a mainstay at right tackle for the Blue Bombers since he joined the team as a free agent in 2016. He was named a West Division all-star in 2017 and a CFL all-star in 2021 and 2023.
The six-foot-five, 311-pound bookend has dressed for 133 career CFL regular-season games since breaking into the league as a member of the B.C. Lions in 2014. He has played 113 games as a member of the Bombers and won the Grey Cup with Winnipeg in 2019 and 2021.
Hardrick was 3DownNation‘s No. 8-ranked pending free agent. He previously played for Saskatchewan in the 2015 season, starting eight games for the Riders. General manager Jeremy O’Day majorly upgrades the green and white o-line.
Pending free agents can negotiate with teams across the league during the current window, which closes on Feb. 11. Players can agree to terms on a contract with a particular team for 2024, however, these deals aren’t legally binding and can’t be finalized or made official until after free agency opens on Feb. 13.
Saskatchewan begins the 2024 season on Saturday, June 8 when the Riders travel to Edmonton to take on the Elks.
