CFL Gets Another NFL Import as Roughriders Sign JuJu Hughes
Ottawa football fans keeping tabs on the CFL landscape have another name to add to their watchlist, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed NFL veteran JuJu Hughes, according to a report from 3DownNation.
Hughes brings NFL experience to the CFL, a pipeline that has produced some of the league's most exciting players in recent years. While the specific details of his NFL career weren't fully outlined in the initial report, the Roughriders clearly see value in what Hughes brings to their squad ahead of the 2026 CFL season.
Why This Matters for the CFL
The CFL has long served as a proving ground and a second act for players with NFL experience. Hughes' signing continues a trend of teams looking south of the border for talent that can make an immediate impact in the Canadian game.
For the Roughriders, who are perennial contenders in the West Division, adding NFL-calibre depth could prove crucial in a conference that's consistently competitive. Saskatchewan has a passionate fanbase and a tradition of aggressive roster-building, and this move fits that pattern.
The Ottawa Angle
For RedBlacks fans in Ottawa, moves like this are worth watching closely. Ottawa and Saskatchewan are set to meet during the 2026 regular season, and any additions the Roughriders make to their roster will factor into what the RedBlacks face on the field. The RedBlacks' front office and coaching staff will no doubt be evaluating Hughes' skillset as they prepare their own game plans.
Beyond the matchup implications, signings like this reflect the overall health and competitiveness of the CFL, a league that Ottawa has been a part of since the RedBlacks' return in 2014. A stronger, more talent-rich league is good news for every franchise, including the one playing out of TD Place.
CFL Season on the Horizon
With training camps approaching and rosters being assembled across the country, news out of Regina is just the beginning. CFL teams are in full offseason mode, making cuts, signings, and trades as they shape their squads for another season of Canadian football.
Ottawa fans can expect more roster moves from the RedBlacks in the weeks ahead as general manager Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and head coach Bob Dyce continue building out their 2026 team.
Keep an eye on 3DownNation and the RedBlacks' official channels for all the latest CFL news as the season draws closer.
Source: 3DownNation via Google News
