The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced Thursday morning that they’ve signed Global defensive lineman Habbakuk Baldonado.
The Italian-born, U of Pittsburgh grad was released by Ottawa last week. He signed with the RedBlacks as a free agent back in February after having played the previous three seasons with the Green and White, including last year’s Grey Cup-winning squad. Baldonado was expected to be on the Mosaic Stadium turf Thursday morning for the closed practice ahead of the Riders traveling to Winnipeg for Saturday’s Banjo Bowl re-match. Following is the news release from the Roughriders…..
DATE: September 10, 2026
RELEASE TIME: IMMEDIATELY
RELEASE: SR26-140
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed Global defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado.
Baldonado (6’4-251) was a member of the Roughriders from 2023 to 2025 before signing with the Ottawa REDBLACKS as a free agent in February. He played eight games with Ottawa, registering eight defensive tackles (including two for a loss) and two sacks.
Over three seasons with Saskatchewan, the Italian-born Baldonado had 38 tackles (five for a loss), eight sacks, a forced fumble and a pass knockdown in 36 games. He was selected by the Roughriders in the second round (12th overall) of the CFL’s 2023 Global Draft.
After registering a career-high four sacks during the 2025 regular season, Baldonado had one of the Roughriders’ three sacks in their 24-21 victory over the visiting B.C. Lions in the Western Final. He continued to be a force in the 112th Grey Cup Game, registering six quarterback pressures — two of which contributed to interceptions by the Roughriders in their 25-17 victory over the Montreal Alouettes.
Collegiately, Baldonado spent five seasons (2018-22) at the University of Pittsburgh, seeing action in 40 games. He recorded 99 tackles (22.5 for a loss), 15 sacks, two pass knockdowns, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and one blocked punt. In 2021, Baldonado led the Panthers with nine sacks and earned Second-Team All-ACC Honours. He signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and recorded four defensive tackles and one sack in three NFL pre-season games. He originally signed with Saskatchewan on Sept. 18 of that year.
