Photo: Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released American offensive lineman Darius Washington.
The 25-year-old played four regular-season games with the team in 2025, making two starts at left tackle, one start at right tackle, and one start at left guard. He was on the practice roster when the team won the 112th Grey Cup at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg.
The six-foot-three, 322-pound blocker attended rookie minicamp with the Denver Broncos after going unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft. He reportedly ran a 5.43-second forty-yard dash at his pro day along with a 24.5-inch vertical jump and 16 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.
The native of Pensacola, Fla. played 57 collegiate games at Florida State University, where he made 33 starts at left tackle, 11 starts at right tackle, and three starts at centre. He was named first-team All-ACC in 2023.
The Roughriders have signed American receiver J.J. Hester and American defensive back Steven Weston Jr.
Hester finished his collegiate career at the University of Kentucky in 2025, making eight receptions for 117 yards and four touchdowns. The six-foot-five, 201-pound target previously played at Missouri and Oklahoma, recording 35 catches for 670 yards and seven scores over 46 total collegiate games.
Weston played collegiately at Ouachita Baptist University, an NCAA Division II program located in Arkadelphia, Ark. The six-foot, 185-pound defender made 141 defensive tackles, five tackles for loss, six interceptions, 36 pass knockdowns, two forced fumbles, and one sack over his collegiate career, earning an All-Conference selection at cornerback in 2025.
Saskatchewan has also moved Canadian defensive lineman Lake Korte-Moore to the one-game injured list.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders opened training camp on May 10. Saskatchewan lost 20-15 in its first preseason game against the Calgary Stampeders but won 31-27 in its second preseason game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Saskatoon. Final roster cuts are due on Saturday, May 30, after which the team will play its first regular-season game against the B.C. Lions on Saturday, June 13.
Saskatchewan recently selected Michigan State defensive back Malcolm Bell with their first-round pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, adding a key piece to pair with Tevaughn Campbell. The team’s other major offseason additions include defensive lineman James Vaughters and returner James Letcher Jr.
In 2025, the Roughriders finished first in the West Division standings with a 12-6 record. The team went on to defeat the Montreal Alouettes in the 112th Grey Cup in Winnipeg, marking the club’s first championship in 12 years.
