After five seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, A.J. Allen finally emerged as a legitimate starter in the CFL in 2025.

But that success meant it became hard to get a new deal done with the only team he had played for professionally.

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“I wanted to go back (to Saskatchewan), but it seemed like we weren’t going to be able to negotiate,” Allen said.

The Burlington, Ont. athlete was a big part of the team’s success last season and was named its nominee for the Most Outstanding Canadian award. The season ended with Allen raising the Grey Cup as the team won the championship for just the fifth time in its history.

Allen finished the season with 87 tackles, four sacks and three interceptions.

Come free agency, Allen was one of a number of players on the team’s defensive side of the ball who signed contracts with other teams. Allen inked a deal with the Ottawa Redblacks

“Realistically speaking, it was a better offer. It was unintentional that I’m the highest paid (linebacker). It’s cool and stuff, but that was never my thing. Anyone in my circle or knows me, that was never my intention. It was a matter of being wanted and going where I was wanted and also going where they love football,” Allen said.

“I guess at the price range I earned, I wasn’t going to be able to fit in Saskatchewan. There’s a salary cap and there’s a limit to what they can afford and can’t afford.

“I’m not going to hold it against anybody but it seemed like at the price range I was at, I was not wanted. That’s OK. I don’t hold it against nobody. That’s life sometimes. To say I didn’t deserve a raise would be foolish.”

Allen said it was around January when he realized he may not be back with the Riders.

“I had early conversations with the Riders at the start of January and after that, things got pretty quiet and that’s when I had to get into the mindset of I may not be coming back here as things weren’t going as I expected,” Allen said.

Defensive ends Malik Carney (Edmonton Elks) and Habakkuk Baldonado (Ottawa) along with wide receivers Tommy Nield (Winnipeg Blue Bombers) and Joe Robustelli (Edmonton) are a few of the other names who won’t be back with the Riders in 2026.

Allen said it’s not surprising to see guys leave after a championship season.

“That’s the reality of it, whether that be coaches or players. I feel like a lot of people are in a position where they can chase the bag and get as much money as possible.

“I can respect that mindset. There’s no harm, no foul to it. We can only play this game for so long. To be able to make as much money as you can and help out your family and help out yourself, that’s something totally respected,” Allen said.

“It’s not something I intended to do but I was able to do it myself. It’s crazy how that worked out. I’m not surprised. This is the CFL, there’s always a ton of turnover.”

Training camp for the Riders will begin in May in Saskatoon.

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