The Saskatchewan Roughriders are shoring up their defensive line, with the return of a familiar face. The team has signed global defensive lineman Habukkak Baldonado, who donned the Green and White from 2023 to 2025. Baldonado signed with Ottawa earlier this year, notching eight defensive tackles and two sacks before being released earlier this week. The Italian-born Baldonado, who Saskatchewan selected in the second round of the 2023 CFL Global Draft, had eight sacks and a forced fumble over 36 games with the Riders. The 27-year-old was a standout on the way to Saskatchewan’s 2025 Grey Cup win, with a sack against BC in the Western Final and six quarterback pressures in the Grey Cup victory over Montreal. Prior to his CFL career Baldonado spent five seasons at the University of Pittsburgh, collecting 15 sacks. He signed with the NFL’s New York Giants, playing in three preseason games in 2023.
