Kurtis Rourke Selected in CFL Draft: Could the San Francisco 49ers’ Seventh-Round Pick Head North?

The 2025 CFL season is underway, bringing fierce rivalries and thrilling matchups as teams compete for a spot in the 112th Grey Cup, set to take place in Winnipeg this November. In the midst of all the excitement, Canadian quarterback Kurtis Rourke finds himself at a unique crossroads.

Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round of the NFL Draft and by the Saskatchewan Roughriders with the 25th overall pick in the CFL Draft, he must weigh his options carefully. Should he stay in the NFL and fight for a roster spot, or head north to join the Roughriders and continue his family’s legacy in Canadian football?

Kurtis Rourke Drafted by CFL Team Amid 49ers Stash: Could He Choose Canada Over the NFL?

The Saskatchewan Roughriders made a bold move in the 2025 CFL Draft. They picked Rourke with the No. 25 overall pick in the third round. For Canadian football fans, it’s exciting to think that the “Maple Missile” might soon be playing in the CFL, following in his family’s footsteps.

Maple Missle makes his way to Riderville!

With the 25th pick in the 2025 CFL Draft, the Saskatchewan Roughriders select Quarterback, Kurtis Rourke from Indiana University!#CFLDraft pic.twitter.com/K7apuGTzqG

— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) April 30, 2025

But here’s the twist—Rourke is also an NFL draft pick. Just days before the CFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected him in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. So, right now, he’s in a tough spot.

Both Rourke and his fans are uncertain about his future: will he play for the Roughriders or the San Francisco 49ers next season? This dual selection has raised many questions about his future.

Rourke had an impressive college career, leading Indiana University to its first-ever College Football Playoff in 2024. He threw for 3,042 yards and 29 touchdowns and completed 69.4% of his passes, earning the Jon Cornish Trophy for the best Canadian player in NCAA football.

With these stats, it’s no wonder both the NFL and CFL see him as a star prospect.

Roughriders General Manager Jeremy O’Day said, “I think it takes a little bit of guts to make a pick like that, knowing there’s a possibility that you don’t get him. It’s one of those risk-rewards. We’ve shown that we’re not scared to make those picks of guys we may or may not see. Obviously, you don’t want to miss too many times on those guys, and you want to re-stock your Canadian talent.”

Rourke did suffer an ACL injury that required surgery on January 8, 2025, but reports say the surgery was successful, and he is recovering faster than expected. If his recovery continues at this pace, he’s expected to be healthy for NFL training camp in late July.

For now, it’s important to see how Rourke recovers fully before deciding where he’ll play. He’ll likely end up with the 49ers, as the NFL offers more recognition and financial rewards.

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However, as a late-round pick, his position may not remain secure for an extended period. He’ll need to impress during training camp to secure a backup or developmental role. We believe he has what it takes to make a strong impression.