The Saskatchewan Roughriders have formally signed American quarterback Tommy Stevens amid the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) free agency moves aimed at enhancing their roster for the upcoming season. After securing his contract during the negotiation window, Stevens joins the Roughriders after three successful seasons with the Calgary Stampeders, where he established himself as a potent force on the field.
Stevens, standing at six-foot-four and weighing 245 pounds, played predominantly as a short-yardage quarterback during his tenure with the Stampeders. Over his three seasons, he participated in 52 games, showcasing impressive performance metrics. Notably, he rushed for 685 yards on 160 carries, scoring 25 touchdowns along the way. These contributions made him one of the most effective players when it came to converting short-yardage situations, as he successfully converted 30-of-31 third-and-short attempts, culminating in 26 rushing first downs, three touchdown runs, and even recording a 24-yard completion.
The 2025 season highlighted Stevens’ capabilities, particularly during standout weeks when he secured three rushing touchdowns during Week 11 against Ottawa. Another remarkable moment came during Week 16 against none other than the Saskatchewan Roughriders when he dashed for a 69-yard touchdown run. By the end of the season, Stevens found himself among the top talents of the league, tying for the most rushing touchdowns with 10, alongside fellow quarterback Chris Streveler.
Throughout his CFL career, Stevens proved to be remarkably efficient on third-down sneaks, achieving success on 60-of-62 attempts (about 97 percent). He managed to convert 122-of-132 QB sneak attempts overall, marking his tenure as one of sustained efficiency—a trait the Roughriders evidently sought to incorporate.
Before making waves in the CFL, Stevens’ football career began when he was drafted by the New Orleans Saints as the 240th overall pick during the 2020 NFL Draft. Interestingly, his transition to the professional level saw him converted to tight end by the Saints, where he spent most of his rookie season on the practice roster. Following this, he briefly joined the Carolina Panthers, where he got his first taste of game action as a quarterback during one matchup, rushing for 24 yards. His career then led him to the New York Giants before he would find his stride with the Stampeders.
Now, as he joins the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the organization aims to leverage his remarkable short-yardage success and playmaking ability to bolster their offensive strategies moving forward. Analysts and fans alike are eager to see how Stevens will integrate with the Roughriders and influence their performance in the upcoming CFL season.
Stevens’ consistent track record and skill set not only fit the immediate needs of the Roughriders but also align with their long-term goals of enhancing team performance. The organization has made it clear they are not merely seeking to fill roster spots but are instead focused on solidifying their lineup with high-impact players capable of changing the game's dynamics.
With the CFL free agency period underway, Stevens’ arrival symbolizes the ambition and proactive measures the Roughriders are undertaking, indicating they are ready to contend for higher accolades come the next season.
Overall, the Roughriders’ decision to sign Tommy Stevens could be pivotal, potentially impacting both his career and the team's fortunes as they prepare for the competitive challenges of the 2025 CFL season.