Defenders EDGE Derick Roberson Set To Join CFL’s Roughriders

With the United Football League’s (UFL) 2026 season over a month in the rearview mirror, it’s opened the door for some players to make their way up north. DC Defenders star EDGE Derick Roberson is set to sign with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders, sources have confirmed to Pro Football Newsroom.

UFL players are allowed to request their release from their respective teams 30 days after the season ends, in order to pursue opportunities in other leagues. We just saw Battlehawks QB Harrison Frost sign to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats earlier this week.

Now, Roberson has been granted his release from DC, in order to sign a contract with the Roughriders. Nothing has been made official quite yet from the CFL. If all goes according to plan, Derick will be signing with a team that is already 4-1 – boasting one of the top defenses in the CFL.

Derick Roberson is well on his way to the UFL’s “Hall Of Fame”, if that ever exists one day. He’s been unbelievably efficient with this Defenders defense the last few seasons, earning All-UFL honors in 2025 and 2026.

This past year, Derick racked up 35 tackles, seven sacks, and 28 quarterback pressures during the regular season. He also notched a sack and several pressures during their Championship run. Roberson is one of the few edge rushers in the UFL who will see double teams, or at least see offenses adjust their schemes to focus heavily on his presence.

Now, he will enter the CFL for the first time throughout his career. Roberson has NFL experience, spending a few seasons with the Tennessee Titans – notably with two sacks of Drew Brees in the same game. In his UFL career, he has 100 tackles and 17 sacks to his name.

DC Defenders fans shouldn’t be too worried about Roberson’s future – it’s more than likely that he comes back to DC. He isn’t the first player to play in the CFL for a few months. Last year, Defenders DT Joe Wallace did the same thing (in Toronto), returning to the UFL in the spring.

What are your thoughts on Derick Roberson signing with the Roughriders? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!