Riders’ talented linebackers mulling future opportunities

Derrick Moncrief, Solomon Elimimian and Cam Judge caused problems for opposing offences in 2019.

Now the Saskatchewan Roughriders face an uncertain future with their talented linebacker group.

All three starters are set to become free agents when the market opens in February. As a whole, the starting group recorded 218 tackles, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles and five interceptions in the 2019 CFL regular season.

The Roughriders’ season came to an end at the hands of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who won 20-13 on Sunday in the West Division final.

“I’m not angry,” Moncrief said as the Roughriders cleaned out their lockers on Monday. “It’s the way it goes sometimes. You win some, you lose some. Just try to get better in the off-season, put that (loss) in your head and just grind it out for next year.”

The 26-year-old said his focus was on playing out the season, but now that it’s over, he and his agent will decide what his future holds. That could include looking into any NFL opportunities.

“I know I can play at every level so it doesn’t matter to me,” Moncrief said. “When I get the opportunity, I’ll be ready for it.”

Just like Moncrief, Judge will see if there’s any interest south of the border.

“What player wouldn’t (like to see if there’s an NFL opportunity)? It’s why you play the game, really. It would definitely be nice but I’m not going to stress about anything,” Judge said. “I’m going to control what I can control and what happens happens.”

Judge, who is the West Division’s nominee for most outstanding Canadian, was taken by the Roughriders second overall in the 2017 draft. The 24-year-old said his time with the Roughriders has meant a lot to him.

“The atmosphere’s just indescribable; it’s special. I’ll never forget it for sure,” Judge said.

He said he can see himself having a longer future with the team but needs to wait and see what the Roughriders’ management has in mind for him.

While the two young linebackers will take time to decide what’s next in their football careers, Elimimian — a 10-year CFL veteran — will also need to decide his future as well.

He finished third in the CFL in defensive tackles in 2019 despite missing three games due to a calf injury. Elimimian, 33, joined the Roughriders on a one-year deal in the off-season.

He said it’s too early to know what the future holds for him.

“Time will reveal everything. At the end of the day, it’s like wherever I’m at I’ll be happy. If I’m (with the Roughriders), great. If I’m not, then I’m sure I’ll be happy somewhere else,” Elimimian said. “I had a great time here.”

Free agency opens in February.