In one of the biggest moves to date in this year’s free agency cycle (literally), the Saskatchewan Roughriders are set to sign 6-foot-5, 317-pound stalwart Jermarcus Hardrick.

Nicknamed “Yoshi”, he is expected to sign a two-year deal worth $230,500 per year, keeping him in the Green and White through the 2025 season. This deal will make Hardrick the highest-paid American offensive lineman in the CFL.

The 33-year-old has been one of the most consistent and durable tackles in the league, having only missed three games in his seven-year tenure with the Blue Bombers. Hardrick claimed West Division all-star nods in 2017, 2021, and 2023, while receiving CFL all-stars nominations in 2021 and last season in 2023. The Batesville, Mississippi native was also named a finalist for Most Outstanding Lineman in the West Division last year.

Arguably the best offensive lineman available in free agency, had previously started eight games for Saskatchewan in 2015, prior to joining Winnipeg.

The former Nebraska Cornhusker will fill one of the biggest needs for the Roughriders as he will solidify the right tackle position. Jerald Hawkins and Brandon Council both remain under contract while both linemen saw time at both tackle positions last season. Colin Kelly and Eric Lofton remain unsigned at tackle. On the interior, Phillip Blake (LG), Logan Ferland (RG), and Peter Godber (C) will man the interior, while Regina native Evan Johnson has yet to sign a contract.

While no deal is official until the start of free agency on Feb. 13, “Yoshi” should be in his natural colours of green and white in a week’s time.