The Saskatchewan Roughriders continued their preseason roster building today, announcing the signing of American wide receiver Abdul Janneh Jr. The addition comes as the team finalizes preparations for their upcoming training camp and preseason games, with the 2025 CFL regular season just two weeks away.
The Roughriders made the announcement on Wednesday through their official team website, adding another offensive weapon to their arsenal as they look to build on last season’s playoff run. The team has been actively reshaping their roster following their Western Division semifinal victory over the B.C. Lions and subsequent loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the division final.
“We’re excited to welcome Abdul to the Roughriders family,” said a team spokesperson in the announcement. “He brings the kind of athleticism and play-making ability we’re looking for as we continue building our receiver group for the 2025 campaign.”
Janneh Jr. joins a Saskatchewan receiving corps that has undergone several changes during the offseason. His signing represents the latest move in what has been an active few months for the Green and White, who are set to host the CFL’s season opener against the Ottawa Redblacks on June 5 at Mosaic Stadium.
The Roughriders have been particularly busy in recent weeks, having also re-signed offensive lineman Noah Zerr just days after initially releasing him. This surprising reversal highlighted the team’s commitment to maintaining offensive line stability, a crucial factor in their return to the playoffs last season after a two-year absence.
Saskatchewan’s front office has emphasized strengthening both sides of the ball this offseason. Earlier in February, they made a significant defensive addition by signing three-time All-CFL defensive lineman Mike Rose, a move that defensive coordinator Jason Shivers hopes will bolster a unit that showed improvement throughout the 2024 campaign.
The team has also focused on developing Canadian talent, recently signing their 2025 second-round CFL Draft pick, offensive lineman Erik Andersen from Western University. The six-foot-six, 314-pound Andersen is expected to provide depth on an offensive line that will be protecting quarterback Trevor Harris, who missed six games last season due to a partially torn ACL and MCL but is reportedly healthy heading into his 39-year-old season.
For Janneh Jr., the signing represents an opportunity to establish himself in a Saskatchewan offense that will be looking to provide more consistent support for Harris. The Roughriders’ passing attack showed flashes of brilliance last season but struggled with consistency, particularly during a mid-season slump that threatened their playoff hopes.
“Saskatchewan has a rich football tradition and passionate fanbase,” Janneh Jr. said in his first comments after signing. “I’m looking forward to getting to work with Coach Dickenson and the offensive staff to learn the system and contribute however I can.”
The Roughriders are coming off a season that saw them finish strong enough to secure a playoff berth after missing the postseason in both 2022 and 2023. Their victory over the B.C. Lions in the Western Division semifinal showcased the team’s potential, though their subsequent loss to the eventual West champion Blue Bombers highlighted areas needing improvement.
Head coach Craig Dickenson has emphasized that strengthening the team’s depth at skill positions is a priority heading into 2025. The addition of Janneh Jr. aligns with this strategy as the team prepares for what promises to be a competitive Western Division race.
Saskatchewan fans will get their first look at the revamped roster during the preseason, with the team’s first exhibition game scheduled for next week. The regular season kicks off on Thursday, June 5, when the Roughriders host the Ottawa Redblacks in the CFL’s season opener, a game that will be broadcast nationally on TSN.
With training camp already underway and roster decisions looming, the Roughriders coaching staff will be evaluating Janneh Jr. and other newcomers closely in the coming days as they finalize their depth chart for the 2025 campaign.
