The Saskatchewan Roughriders and linebacker A.J. Allen agreed to a one-year contract extension through the 2025 season on Thursday. Allen was set to become a free agent next month.
A.J. Allen is six foot and weighs 210 pounds. The 26-year-old from Burlington, Ontario, made seven tackles, 22 tackles on special teams, one interception, and one touchdown in 18 games in 2024 helping the Roughriders reach the Western Final against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders drafted Allen in the fourth round (35th pick) of the 2020 CFL Draft. However, the 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19. In 2021, Allen did not make the team and returned to Guelph for his final season.
In 2022, Allen made six tackles and six tackles on special teams in 12 games. In 2023, Allen made 19 tackles and 19 tackles on special teams in 18 games.
Collegiately, Allen played five seasons at the University of Guelph (2016-19, 2021) making 124 tackles (82 solos, 42 assists), 18 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and three pass breakups in 37 games for the Gryphons. He received the President’s Award as the OUA’s Most Outstanding Stand-Up Defensive Player in 2021 as well as being named an All-Canadian and OUA All-Star.
