REGINA — The CFL’s version of Superman will soon have an “S’’ on his helmet to go with the one on his chest.

Geroy Simon, who typically strikes a Superman pose after scoring a touchdown, is suddenly a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Once again, the Roughriders’ roster will include a CFL career receiving-yardage leader who wears No. 81.

First, Ray Elgaard.

Now, Geroy Simon.

Simon was acquired from the B.C. Lions on Thursday for receiver Justin Harper, who was a spare part for most of the 2012 season, and a third-round pick in the 2014 CFL draft.

Considering the modest compensation, the Roughriders had little to lose and everything to gain by obtaining Simon.

Granted, it may strain credulity to assert that a 37-year-old receiver has some upside. But if he can be the Geroy Simon of old, as opposed to an old Geroy Simon, the possibilities for the Roughriders’ offence are intriguing.

Simon had enjoyed nine consecutive 1,000-yard seasons before being beset by hamstring injuries last year. The six-time all-Canadian, who was named the league’s most outstanding player in 2006, was limited to 54 catches and 700 yards in 13 games last season.

The Roughriders are confident that 2012 can be written off as an aberration — as opposed to writing off Simon, who turns 38 on Sept. 11.

Why not make the deal?

If Simon pans out, he gives the Roughriders’ offence an additional weapon and a respected leader.

If he is washed up, very little was surrendered in the process.

“His value on our team on and off the field is going to be immense,’’ Roughriders general manager Brendan Taman said at a hastily assembled media gathering on Thursday. “Geroy has got some points to prove to a lot of people that he can still play.’’

Providing that is the case, Simon will complement all-star slotback Weston Dressler, who will remain the focal point of the Roughriders’ aerial attack.

Given that defences have to be cognizant of Dressler at all times, Simon is unlikely to face double coverage as frequently as he did while amassing 989 receptions, 15,787 yards and 100 touchdowns.

Suppose that Simon has lost a step. If so, he will lose one defender as well. In single-coverage situations, he isn’t likely to face the opposition’s premier defensive halfback, who will be preoccupied with the dynamic Dressler.

George Cortez, the Roughriders’ newly appointed offensive coordinator, has to be salivating at the possibilities. Ditto for quarterback Darian Durant.

Dressler and Simon in the same offence?

Don’t forget former 1,000-yard man Chris Getzlaf, who should enjoy a bounce-back season as the No. 3 receiver.

Also consider Jock-of-all-trades Jock Sanders, who was emerging as a multi-purpose weapon before suffering a season-ending knee injury in October.

Oh, and one more thing ...

The Roughriders’ featured tailback is Kory Sheets, who is coming off a debut season in which he rushed for 1,277 yards.

As a bonus, the Roughriders are stockpiling weapons in preparation for a CFL season that will culminate with a Regina-based Grey Cup on Nov. 24.

That said, head coach Corey Chamblin is adamant that the team does not feel compelled to make head-turning moves — such as this week’s additions of Cortez and Simon — simply because a hometown Grey Cup looms.

“I think it’s the pressure that you guys (in the media) put on us,’’ Chamblin said. “When I came here and took this job, I said I wanted to win, and win big. The only way you do that is you do it in steps.

“I’ve talked about that for a while, but it’s a progression that we go through. We’re in the second phase of my tenure here and we’re making moves to get better. It just happens that the Grey Cup is here this year.’’

In any event, the timing is right.

So is the rationale behind the Simon deal.

Even at 37, the CFL’s all-time receiving-yardage leader is quite a catch.

rvanstone@leaderpost.com