Ryder Varga to debut with Saskatchewan Roughriders

Linebacker Ryder Varga, a 27‑year‑old who grew up in Regina, has signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and is slated to make his first appearance for the team in the upcoming season when the Roughriders face the Edmonton Elks at Commonwealth Stadium. Varga was released by the Toronto Argonauts after a torn ACL ended his 2025 campaign, and the Roughriders announced his signing days later.

The move makes Varga the first player named “Ryder” to ever suit up for the Roughriders. After stints with the BC Lions and a brief period with the Argonauts, he has played 49 CFL games, recording 82 tackles, 28 special‑team tackles and two sacks. He completed a lengthy rehab process and expressed that returning to his hometown team fulfills a long‑standing childhood dream.