Roughriders sign three-time All-CFLer Mike Rose

The Saskatchewan Roughriders were not content waiting for the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) Free Agency communication window to open on Feb. 2, signing 32-year-old American defensive lineman Mike Rose on Saturday.

Rose is a three-time All-CFLer, four-time West All-CFLer and a Grey Cup Champion.

Rose was released by the Stampeders on Jan. 27, and spent the last eight seasons in Calgary.

Read more:

• Defensive backs, linemen a need for Riders ahead of free agency
• Riders have continuity in place on offence ahead of CFL free agency
• Riders GM O’Day hoping to be ‘a little less active’ during 2025 free agency

In 2024, Rose registered 143 defensive tackles, 36 sacks, two interceptions — including one that was returned for a touchdown — and forced three fumbles.

He played in all 18 games last season, and has been a dominant force in the middle of the defensive line his whole career.

No reality TV drama—got the Rose we wanted!

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed 3-time All-CFL defensive lineman Mike Rose.

🌹 https://t.co/qnsxQgXpty pic.twitter.com/k6t49AyUiC

— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) February 1, 2025

Rose even has a little bit of National Football League experience, taking part in a New York Giants training camp in 2016. He also played in 51 games over four seasons at North Carolina State from 2012 to 2015).

The CFL Free Agency communication window runs Feb. 2-9, with Free Agency beginning on Feb. 11.

A couple key starter spots still appear to remain open in the Riders defensive backfield and the defensive line.

The Riders kick off the regular season on June 5 against the Ottawa Redblacks.

— with files from Britton Gray

Read more:

• Defensive backs, linemen a need for Riders ahead of free agency
• Riders have continuity in place on offence ahead of CFL free agency
• Riders GM O’Day hoping to be ‘a little less active’ during 2025 free agency