Durant contract talks going in a ‘positive direction’

Darian Durant prefers not to think too much about the new stadium across the way from the old Mosaic Stadium.

At least not until he and the Roughriders are able to put pen to paper on a new contract.

“I don’t even think too much about that new place,” Durant admitted on Tuesday after the team practiced indoors at Regina’s Eventplex. “I’ll think about it if I have a deal but right now it’s all about finishing up this year.”

When pressed further on if he expected to go into free agency or if he knows if the talks are progressing, Durant answered he’s focusing on Montreal – both times.

“My job is to play football. If I continue to play well and play at a high level then everything will fall into place.”

“I’m just making it be known that until it’s written on that good contract sheet of paper I’m focused on this season, these games and I can’t worry about what’s going to happen in that new stadium,” Durant added.

But if you ask the Roughriders head coach Chris Jones, that contract could be coming soon. He says the two sides are getting closer to a deal.

“Things are moving in a positive direction and hopefully we’ll be able to hammer something out soon,” he said.

“Darian’s a life-long rider and we want him here,” Jones said firmly.

The Roughriders have four games left if they want to lock up their starter before the end of the season. After that all eyes will move to February and CFL free agency.

If Durant hits the free agent market, expect the offers to be there – perhaps from the fledgling Montreal Alouettes, who haven’t had a solid starter since Anthony Calvillo retired.

But Durant doesn’t want talk about that either, instead reaffirming his commitment to the only CFL team he’s ever known.

“I am the quarterback of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and that’s all I want to be and we’ll take care of that stuff when it’s time.”