Pending free agent Shaq Evans bids farewell to Rider Nation

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are losing one of their top pass catchers to free agency.

Shaq Evans announced to Rider Nation on Sunday his plans to leave Saskatchewan.

Man I knew this day would come but wish it happened differently or didn’t happen so soon. I just want to thank you Rider Nation for all the support over the past 4 seasons! Saskatchewan was the first place I could call home as a professional I’ll never forget that! I want to

— Shaq Evans (@shaq_evans1) February 12, 2023

thank coach Jones for believing in me and bringing me in back in 2018 and making me a starter in only my second game in Sask! The relationships I made with teammates, training staff, media, and coaches will be cherished! Wished things ended differently but everything happens for

— Shaq Evans (@shaq_evans1) February 12, 2023

reason! Will always love rider nation and can’t wait to see you again 😈! #080623

— Shaq Evans (@shaq_evans1) February 12, 2023

The 31-year-old pending free agent appears to be headed to the Nation’s Capital, with TSN reporting the receiver will sign with the Ottawa Redblacks when CFL free agency begins on Tuesday.

Hearing Shaq Evans will sign with @REDBLACKS when #CFLFA opens on Tues. Was an all-star in 2019 followed by a couple of injury-plagued seasons. @CFLonTSN pic.twitter.com/kPXqRUHpZD

— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 12, 2023

During his four seasons with the Riders, Evans racked up 2,830 receiving yards and seven touchdowns over 52 career CFL games. He was named a league all-star in 2019, but has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons.