(File photo/ CJME News Staff)

By CJME News

List of Roughriders to opt out of contracts grows to 17

Sep 1, 2020 | 5:15 PM

A total of 17 players have opted out of their contracts with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in hopes of finding a spot in the NFL.

The CFL team announced Monday four more players — defensive backs Hamp Cheevers and A.J. Hendy, linebacker Gary Johnson Jr., and defensive lineman Trenton Thompson — had opted out and had been released.

The Roughriders retain the rights to Cheevers, Hendy and Thompson through 2021.

After the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19, the CFL and CFL Players’ Association reached an agreement to allow players to opt out of their contracts and seek employment in other leagues.

The other 13 Roughriders who had opted out as of Monday were:

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• Linebacker Deon Lacey
• Guard Dakoda Shepley
• Receiver DeMarcus Ayers
• Kicker Brett Lauther
• Punter Jon Ryan
• Defensive lineman Demetrius Harris
• Offensive lineman Cameron Jefferson
• Linebacker Deshaun Davis
• Defensive lineman Cory Thomas
• Defensive back Christian Campbell
• Linebacker Cameron Judge
• Defensive lineman Pete Robertson
• Defensive back Tevin Mitchel

Shepley, who was voted the Roughriders’ top rookie in 2019, signed a contract with the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers on the weekend.