Roughriders extend top DB Rolan Milligan Jr. through 2026 season

Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr. (0) runs the football after intercepting it against Hamilton Tiger-Cats during the second half of CFL football action in Regina, on Sunday, June 23, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

The Canadian Football League’s (CFL) reigning Most Outstanding Defensive Player will be a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders through the 2026 season.

The Riders announced Friday that they signed Milligan Jr. to a one-year extension.

Milligan Jr. became only the second defensive back in CFL history to be named the league’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player, the Riders said in a news release.

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Milligan Jr. was also the Riders’ nominee for Most Outstanding Player, Most Outstanding Defensive Player and Most Outstanding Special Teams Player in 2024.

CFL Pro Football Focus also named him top defensive back in Week 1, 5 and 17 of the 2024 regular season.

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Milligan Jr. made 111 defensive plays last season which was fifth in the CFL and first amongst non-linebackers, the Riders said.

He also led the league in interceptions with eight. Milligan Jr.’s eight pickoffs was the sixth best season total in Roughriders history, the team said.

The Florida product also had 10 pass deflections and 71 defensive tackles, including two for a loss in 16 games last season.

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In two playoff games, he also had a pass knockdown and seven tackles as well as a vital interception in the Western Semi Final that helped lead the Riders to a 28-19 win over the B.C. Lions.

Milligan Jr. was also third in the CFL with 20 special teams tackles, making two more in the Western Final.

The Riders open the 2025 regular season on Thursday, June 5 when they host the Ottawa Redblacks.