Riders’ Fajardo says he’ll test free agency in off-season

Cody Fajardo says he’ll see what other opportunities are out there during the CFL off-season.

The 30-year-old Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback was relegated to the backup role for last Saturday’s showdown with the Calgary Stampeders at Mosaic Stadium. The Riders lost 32-21 and were eliminated from playoff contention.

“There’s a lot that’s going to be playing out (this off-season) but I think I owe it to myself to see what’s out there and take it to free agency and we will see what is going to happen from there,” Fajardo said after Tuesday’s practice at the AffinityPlex. “I’m not going to rule out any team — I want to play football a little bit longer.

“I’m not sure what’s going to happen, but I’m focused on this last week and being as prepared as I can, helping Mason (Fine) as much as I can for this last week, and give it my all.”

Fajardo is expected to be the backup behind Fine when the Roughriders wrap up the regular season Saturday in Calgary. Head coach Craig Dickenson said the team also will try to find a way to get third-string quarterback Jake Dolegala onto the roster for the 2022 finale.

Kickoff for the game is set for 6 p.m. The Green Zone pre-game show begins at 4 p.m.

“I have no idea (if I’m playing). I’m just going to prepare like I am and see what happens from there. They might want to look at some guys but if they need me, I’m here for them,” Fajardo said.

If Fajardo does leave in the off-season, he would exit with a 27-18 record as a starter. He got the Riders to within one win of Grey Cup appearances in 2019 and 2021.

Since becoming the starter in 2019, Fajardo has thrown for 10,632 yards, with 48 touchdowns and 32 interceptions. He has also rushed for 1,436 yards and 22 touchdowns.

“Back-to-back West (Division) finals, it’s not like every year that happens,” Fajardo said. “I think that’s the tough part. When you’re in a results-driven business, it’s so easy to forget the past.

“That has probably been the hardest thing about this year. You always envision yourself winning a Grey Cup and it’s something I’ve always envisioned, especially here. I can’t imagine what that would be like. It’s difficult to go out missing the playoffs like that.

“I’m not going to rule anything out, but it will be an interesting off-season for me.”

But while Fajardo has been dealing with the fact his time in green and white could be coming to an end, he said many fans have reached out to offer him support in the wake of his demotion.

“(There have been) a lot of great messages over this last week from a lot of fans that really made this difficult situation a little bit better,” Fajardo said.

“This has always been a second home for (my family) and I’ll always be tied here to Regina and Saskatchewan, especially with our son being born here. It’s bittersweet (and) it’s tough. I laid everything I had for this organization, but to have it come to an end like this, it’s kind of anticlimactic, to tell you the truth.”