Saskatchewan Roughriders Salaries

The Saskatchewan Roughriders operate under the CFL’s $6.065 million salary cap for 2025, featuring Grey Cup MVP Trevor Harris earning $399,700 hard money with $453,700 maximum after leading Saskatchewan to its fifth championship in franchise history.

Harris signed one-year extension through 2026 after completing Grey Cup-record 85.2% of passes in 25-17 victory over Montreal. 

The Roughriders generated $40.8 million total revenue in fiscal year 2024 with $2.1 million profit, representing CFL’s only community-owned franchise publishing complete financial transparency.

Head coach Corey Mace signed extension through 2028 after leading 12-4 regular season and championship breakthrough in his second year.

Find out more about the Saskatchewan Roughriders players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.

Quarterbacks (QB)Running Backs (RB)Wide Receivers (WR)
Trevor HarrisA.J. OuelletteSamuel Emilus
Jake MaierKa’Deem CareyKeeSean Johnson
Jack CoanKhalan LabornKian Schaffer-Baker
Tommy StevensTrent PennixShawn Bane Jr.
 Mario Anderson 
   

Estimated Top 5 Highest-Paid Saskatchewan Roughriders Players

RankPlayerPositionEst. Salary (CAD)Contract TypeNotes
1Trevor HarrisQuarterback$399,700Through 2026Grey Cup MVP, $160K bonus
2Jermarcus HardrickOffensive Line$213,700Multi-year$218K max, veteran anchor
3Samuel EmilusReceiver$168,200Through 2025Grey Cup MVC, $40K bonus
4Jake MaierQuarterback$155,000Through 2025Backup, former Calgary starter
5Tevaughn CampbellDefensive Back$153,200Through 2025Grey Cup INT, $5K bonus

Trevor Harris’s $399,700 hard money ranks 5th among CFL starting quarterbacks, deliberately structured below elite QB spending as the 38-year-old veteran prioritizes winning over maximizing earnings.

His 2025 contract included massive $160,000 signing bonus, $200,000 base salary, $20,000 marketing money, $14,700 housing allowance, and $5,000 travel stipend. 

He can earn additional $54,000 through playtime incentives if starting all 18 regular-season games, pushing maximum compensation to $453,700.

Harris’s three-year Saskatchewan tenure totals $1,390,700 hard money through 2025 with chance maxing $1,444,700 including bonuses. 

His 2026 extension terms remain undisclosed following Grey Cup MVP performance throwing 302 yards at 85.2% completion rate, though salary likely escalates to $425,000-475,000 range rewarding championship.

Samuel Emilus earned $168,200 in 2025 despite back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, representing massive bargain as Grey Cup Most Valuable Canadian. Industry sources project he’ll command $250,000 annually if hitting free agency in February 2026, nearly 50% raise from current contract.

Saskatchewan Roughriders Coaching Staff & Management

Corey Mace serves as head coach earning estimated $275,000-350,000 CAD annually after signing extension through 2028 season in October 2025.

The 39-year-old Vancouver native compiled remarkable 21-12-1 record across two seasons including Grey Cup championship, earning West Division Coach of the Year in 2024 and becoming youngest active head coach winning CFL title. 

Mace handles defensive play-calling while managing overall team operations, creating dual value saving $75,000-100,000 versus hiring separate defensive coordinator.

General manager Jeremy O’Day commands estimated $250,000-325,000 annually after extending through 2028 alongside Mace. 

The 44-year-old Swift Current, Saskatchewan native entered his seventh season as GM compiling 48-42-3 record since December 2018 hiring, overcoming consecutive playoff misses in 2022-2023 before championship breakthrough.

Assistant coach salaries range $85,000-125,000 CAD annually, with offensive coordinator Marc Mueller earning upper range around $120,000 and special teams coordinator earning $95,000-105,000.

Position coaches receive $80,000-100,000 reflecting Saskatchewan’s middle-market spending constraints despite championship success.

Total coaching staff budget estimated at $1.5-1.8 million represents CFL’s upper-middle tier, exceeding Hamilton ($1.4M) and Ottawa ($1.1M) but trailing Toronto ($1.8M+) in total compensation.

How CFL Salaries Work at Saskatchewan Roughriders

The CFL’s $6.065 million hard salary cap for 2025 increased $412,365 from 2024, allowing Saskatchewan upgrading roster depth while maintaining Trevor Harris’s affordable quarterback salary.

The Roughriders allocate just 6.6% of cap space to Harris’s quarterback position at $399,700 hard money, dramatically below league average 8-10% creating $150,000-200,000 savings versus elite QB spending by Toronto (Chad Kelly $615,000) and BC (Nathan Rourke $624,200).

Saskatchewan’s 2025 Championship Investment Strategy:

  • Trevor Harris (QB): $399,700 – Veteran leadership accepting below-market value
  • Samuel Emilus (WR): $168,200 – Cost-controlled Canadian star
  • Jermarcus Hardrick (OL): $213,700 – Veteran protection anchor
  • Tevaughn Campbell (DB): $153,200 – Championship defensive playmaker
  • Total championship core: ~$534,800 (8.8% of cap)

Saskatchewan’s balanced philosophy spreads 40-42% of salary cap across offensive starters, 42-45% on defensive roster emphasizing Corey Mace’s defensive expertise, and remaining 13-15% on special teams and depth.

The Roughriders avoid superstar accumulation unlike Toronto’s quarterback-heavy approach ($615,000 Kelly) or Edmonton’s defensive spending ($895,000 Smith+Ceresna+Ford trio).

This strategy mirrors 2007-2013 Grey Cup success combining elite defense with Canadian quarterback Darian Durant earning below-market salaries, creating sustainable championship model through balanced roster construction.

Trevor Harris Contract Breakdown

Trevor Harris signed one-year extension through 2026 after earning $399,700 hard money for 2025 with $453,700 maximum compensation including bonuses.

His 2025 contract structure included $160,000 signing bonus (largest payment), $200,000 base salary, $20,000 marketing money for promotional appearances, $14,700 standard housing allowance covering Regina’s affordable cost of living, and $5,000 travel stipend for offseason workouts.

Playtime incentives allow collecting $54,000 maximum if starting all 18 regular-season games and meeting 51%+ offensive snap thresholds. His actual 2025 earnings approached $445,000 after playing 11 regular-season starts before knee injury, returning for playoffs and Grey Cup MVP performance.

Statistical bonuses include $2,000 for leading West Division in touchdown passes, $2,500 for league-leading TDs, $1,500 for leading division in passing yards, and $2,000 for league-leading yards.

All-star selections trigger $1,000 (All-West), $2,000 (All-CFL), or $3,000 (Most Outstanding Player) additional payments.

Harris’s 2026 extension terms remain undisclosed following Grey Cup heroics, though industry sources project $425,000-475,000 hard money with $500,000+ maximum including championship bonuses and Grey Cup MVP recognition incentives.

Financial Reality for Saskatchewan Roughriders Players

Average Saskatchewan Roughriders salary approximates $110,000-120,000 CAD, slightly above league average due to championship roster depth spending balancing star-level savings at quarterback position.

Only 7-9 players earn above $165,000, with the Roughriders’ balanced approach avoiding top-heavy contracts outside offensive line and select defensive positions.

Most receivers earn $85,000-155,000 while defensive backs average $90,000-140,000 excluding Tevaughn Campbell’s $153,200 elite salary.

Saskatchewan benefits from CFL’s most affordable cost of living with average rent around $1,350 monthly consuming just 15-17% of rookie salaries versus 25-30% in Toronto or 22-25% in Montreal.

Regina’s smaller market creates limited off-season employment opportunities, though provincial government positions, agriculture sales, and coaching provide steady income.

Off-season jobs remain necessary for 60-70% of roster earning under $125,000, with common positions including personal training, construction, oil field work, and coaching high school football during November-May offseason.

Players face pressure maintaining championship standards while management emphasizes retaining championship core through strategic contract extensions.

Mosaic Stadium’s 33,350 capacity generates $14.4 million gate receipts (35% of total revenue) with merchandise sales producing $6.5 million (16% of revenue), demonstrating Saskatchewan’s unique community-owned model creating financial stability supporting competitive roster spending.

FAQs

How much does Trevor Harris make?

Trevor Harris earned $399,700 hard money for 2025 with $453,700 maximum including bonuses. His one-year extension through 2026 terms remain undisclosed following Grey Cup MVP performance, though projected at $425,000-475,000 hard money with $500,000+ maximum.

What is Samuel Emilus’s salary?

Samuel Emilus earned $168,200 in 2025 including $40,000 offseason roster bonus, $93,000 base salary, $14,700 housing, $10,000 marketing, and $4,000 travel. Industry sources project he’ll command $250,000 annually hitting free agency after Grey Cup MVC performance.

How does Saskatchewan’s community-owned model work?

Saskatchewan Roughriders are CFL’s only community-owned franchise with 29,000+ shareholders generating $40.8 million revenue in fiscal year 2024. The team reported $2.1 million profit with complete financial transparency published annually, unlike privately-owned franchises.

Can Saskatchewan Roughriders players make a living year-round?

Only top 7-9 earners like Trevor Harris ($400K) and Samuel Emilus ($168K) avoid off-season jobs. Most players earning $80,000-120,000 require secondary employment, though Regina’s affordable cost of living (rent $1,350 vs Toronto $2,400) helps stretch salaries further than larger CFL markets.