Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defensive lineman Bryan Cox Jr. is a pending free agent, but he hopes to return to the team for the 2025 season.

“I’d love to come back,” Cox Jr. said. “I got to have a talk with management and we’ll figure something out.”

The six-foot-three, 245-pound pass rusher has played two seasons with the team. He suited up in 17 games in 2024, registered 24 defensive tackles, six sacks and two forced fumbles. His numbers are an improvement from his rookie season in 2023 when he played eight games and made 11 defensive tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble.

“I got to put the work in,” Cox Jr. said. “I got to go back to the drawing board this offseason, make sure I have a solid regimen.”

Prior to playing for the Riders, Cox Jr. played in the NFL from 2017-2022 for these teams: Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, and Buffalo Bills. He was on the practice roster for the Indianapolis Colts. He registered 31 defensive tackles, 0.5 sacks and one fumble recovery. The St Louis, Mo. native made $2,285,582 USD over his time in the NFL.

The Riders last game was when the team lost to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the West Final 38-22 on November 9. Overall, Saskatchewan finished the season second in the West Division with a 9-8-1 record and hosted a home playoff game. The previous two seasons, the Green and White did not make the playoffs and had 6-12 records.

“It’s probably going to take a little while,” Cox Jr. said. “It’s going to sting for a little bit. I got to get back home, get back into my regimen, and work out, try to flush it and reset.”

If Cox Jr. does not re-sign, the free agency communication window opens on February 2, 2025 at 11 a.m. and concludes on February 9, 2025 at the same time. Players can officially sign with new teams on February 11, 2025 at 11 a.m.