Report: Roughriders agree to terms with linebacker Jameer Thurman

According to a report by 3DownNation’s Justin Dunk, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have agreed to terms with linebacker Jameer Thurman.

Dunk, who doubles as The Green Zone’s CFL insider, reported Tuesday that the Roughriders are offering Thurman a one-year contract worth more than $175,000.

The reported deal was worked out during the CFL’s free-agent negotiation window, which opened Sunday. During the seven-day period, teams can negotiate with other clubs’ pending free agents before free agency arrives next Tuesday.

Thurman, a 29-year-old product of Chicago, spent his first four CFL seasons with the Calgary Stampeders (2017-18, 2021-22), winning a Grey Cup with them in ’18.

In Calgary, Thurman would have got to know new Roughriders head coach Corey Mace, who was the Stampeders’ defensive line coach in those years.

The 6-foot-0, 227-pound Thurman played last season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, recording 98 tackles, five sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in 18 regular-season games.

In 82 career regular-season games, Thurman has registered 367 tackles, 31 special-teams stops, 11 sacks, eight interceptions and 10 forced fumbles.

Thurman could replace Larry Dean in the middle of the Roughriders’ defence. Dean is one of 16 Roughriders who are eligible to become free agents next Tuesday.

If Dunk’s report is correct, Thurman will be the second player to agree to terms with Saskatchewan since the negotiation window opened.

Dunk and TSN’s Farhan Lalji both reported Monday that offensive lineman Jermarcus Hardrick had agreed to join the Roughriders after spending seven seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Onyeka signs extension

The Roughriders announced Tuesday they had signed defensive back Godfrey Onyeka to a one-year contract extension.

Onyeka could have become a free agent next Tuesday.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder suffered a torn pectoral muscle during the 2023 pre-season, but returned in time to play four games to end the regular season.

A product of Brampton, Ont., Onyeka signed with the Riders in 2021 after spending two seasons with the Edmonton Elks.

In 15 regular-season games with Saskatchewan, the Wilfred Laurier University alumnus has recorded 26 defensive tackles and 10 special-teams stops.