The Saskatchewan Roughriders have agreed to terms with American linebacker Jameer Thurman and, barring anything unforeseen, he’s expected to sign a one-year contract for the 2024 season, per sources.
The 29-year-old earns a sizeable raise year-over-year. He made $145,800 in 2023 with the Tiger-Cats while set to ink his agreement with the Riders for over $175,000.
Thurman spent last season with Hamilton, playing all 18 regular-season games. He posted a career-high 98 defensive tackles with five sacks while grabbing two interceptions and forcing two fumbles.
The six-foot, 227-pound defender has made 367 defensive tackles, 31 special teams tackles, 11 sacks, eight interceptions and 10 forced fumbles over 82 career games since arriving in the CFL as a rookie in 2017.
The Indiana State University product spent his first four seasons in Canada with the Calgary Stampeders, winning a Grey Cup in 2018, interrupted by an NFL stint with the Chicago Bears in 2019 and a stint with the XFL’s DC Defenders in 2020.
Thurman was 3DownNation‘s No. 7-ranked pending free agent. General manager Jeremy O’Day nabs a leader in the middle for Corey Mace’s defence in Riderville.
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 at noon ET.
Saskatchewan begins the 2024 season on Saturday, June 8 when the Riders travel to Edmonton to take on the Elks.
