REGINA, SK – The Saskatchewan Roughriders are making moves to defend their 2025 Grey Cup championship, adding veteran defensive back JuJu Hughes to their training camp roster. The team officially announced the signing on Tuesday, hoping the 27-year-old will provide valuable experience and a strong presence on the defensive side of the ball.
Hughes, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound safety, brings three seasons of NFL experience to the Riders. Undrafted in 2020, he initially signed with the Los Angeles Rams, where he played 12 games as a rookie over the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He subsequently spent time with the Detroit Lions in 2022, appearing in seven games, before a training camp stint with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023. In total, Hughes registered 26 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack during his NFL career, earning over $3.9 million in the process. [1]
Most recently, Hughes saw action in the United Football League (UFL), playing for the Birmingham Stallions in 2024. He recorded four tackles in two games with the Stallions before becoming a free agent. His collegiate career at Fresno State University was also impressive, where he accumulated 247 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, seven interceptions, and 30 pass deflections over 52 games. He earned second-team All-Mountain West honors in 2018 and was an honorable mention selection in both 2016 and 2019. [1]
The addition of Hughes addresses a clear need for the Roughriders, who experienced significant personnel changes during the recent free agency period. The team saw quarterback Jake Maier depart for the Ottawa Redblacks, receiver Tommy Nield sign with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and defensive lineman Malik Carney join the Edmonton Elks. Linebackers A.J. Allen and C.J. Reavis also moved to Ottawa, although Micah Johnson retired to capture on the role of defensive line coach. Receiver Dohnte Meyers is pursuing an opportunity with the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. [1]
The Roughriders are looking to maintain a competitive defense after finishing first in the West Division with a 12-6 record in 2025 and ultimately capturing the 112th Grey Cup against the Montreal Alouettes. Hughes’s arrival is intended to bolster a secondary impacted by the departure of C.J. Reavis and add stability to the defensive line. [3]
The team’s preparation for the 2026 season is already underway. The 2026 CFL Draft is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. EDT, where the Roughriders hold the ninth overall pick. All CFL training camps are set to open on May 10, and the Roughriders will kick off their preseason schedule with a game against the Calgary Stampeders on Monday, May 18. The regular season will begin on Saturday, June 13, with a home game against the B.C. Lions. [1]
For fans eager to follow Hughes’s progress, training camp will offer the first opportunity to see him in a Roughriders uniform. The team will be evaluating Hughes, along with other newcomers and returning players, as they prepare for a challenging season and a determined effort to repeat as Grey Cup champions. The Roughriders’ front office is clearly focused on building a roster capable of withstanding the rigors of the CFL season and maintaining their position as a top contender in the West Division.
The signing of JuJu Hughes represents a strategic move by the Saskatchewan Roughriders to reinforce their defense and address key departures from the previous season. His NFL experience and collegiate accolades suggest he has the potential to make a significant contribution to the team’s success in 2026. The coming months will be crucial as Hughes integrates into the team’s system and prepares for the challenges of the Canadian Football League.
The Roughriders’ schedule is packed, with training camp starting May 10th, a preseason game against Calgary on May 18th, and the regular season opener against the BC Lions on June 13th. [1] The team will be looking to build on their successful 2025 campaign and establish themselves as a dominant force in the CFL for years to come.
Key Takeaways:
- The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed NFL veteran JuJu Hughes to bolster their defensive backfield.
- Hughes brings three seasons of NFL experience with the Rams, Lions, and Cardinals, as well as a strong collegiate career at Fresno State.
- The signing addresses key departures from the Roughriders’ roster during the recent free agency period.
- The team is preparing for the 2026 season with the CFL Draft on April 28th and training camp opening on May 10th.
The Roughriders will next be in action for their preseason game against the Calgary Stampeders on May 18th. Stay tuned to riderville.com for the latest updates and information. What are your thoughts on this signing? Share your opinions in the comments below!
