The Saskatchewan Roughriders have agreed to terms with American running back A.J. Ouellette and, barring anything unforeseen, he’s expected to sign with the team, per sources.
It’s a one-year contract for the 2024 season worth $160,500 in hard money with another $5,000 possible in all-star and Most Outstanding Player award incentives.
The five-foot-nine, 208-pound ball-carrier had a breakout year in 2023, rushing 178 times for 1,009 yards, 5.7 per carry, and eight touchdowns while catching 16 passes for 163 yards and four majors. He tied for the league lead with 10 runs of 20-plus yards on the way to being named an East Division all-star for the second consecutive season and blocked well for league MOP quarterback Chad Kelly in passing situations.
Through 37 career CFL games, Ouellette has rushed 322 times for 1,782 yards, 5.5 per carry, and 10 touchdowns. He’s added 59 receptions for 552 yards, 9.4 per catch, and four touchdowns. The 28-year-old signed with the Argos in September 2019 following stints with the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints.
The Covington, Ohio native was twice named a second-team All-Mid-American Conference selection during his collegiate career with Ohio University. In 50 games with the Bobcats, he rushed 719 times for 3,829 yards and 32 touchdowns — including two 1,000-yard seasons — along with 64 receptions for 516 yards and six touchdowns playing alongside Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke.
Ouellette was 3DownNation’s No. 9-ranked pending free agent. He made just under $115,000 last year with the Argonauts.
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.
