Darrell Davis: Paying for Franklin

The shock has worn off. Saskatchewan Roughriders fans are no longer steaming with rage.

Beloved quarterback Darian Durant is a Montreal Alouette. A pending free agent, he was traded from Saskatchewan for a pittance — two draft picks — because the Riders believed he wasn’t going to re-sign with them. Who’s to blame no longer matters. Nor do the memories. It’s pro sports. Deal with it.

This is what matters: Who is going to replace Durant? The Riders have a stable of unproven quarterbacks, led by journeyman Canadian Brandon Bridge. Free agent veteran Kevin Glenn is available and, indeed, was mentioned by Rider boss Chris Jones as a potential insurance policy.

Matt Nichols and James Franklin are candidates, but they’re under contract to other teams. So is Drew Tate. Franklin is the main target. A young, promising pivot with one year remaining on his contract with Edmonton, Franklin is the guy most coveted by Jones. It may cost dearly to pry Franklin from the Eskimos, but the Roughriders may have to pay that price.