The Saskatchewan Roughriders have traded the playing rights of Darian Durant, 34, to the Montreal Alouettes in exchange for 2017 and 2018 CFL draft picks.
Head Coach and GM Chris Jones speaks to the media about trading Darian Durant to Montreal.
The Alouettes announced on Friday that the club has acquired the veteran quarterback in exchange for Montreal’s fourth-round selection, 32nd overall, in the 2017 CFL Draft as well as a conditional second-round draft pick in 2018.
“We are more than pleased to be able to acquire a quarterback of the caliber of Darian Durant and we are confident that we can reach a new agreement with him,” Alouettes general manager Kavis Reed said in a press release.
“As we stated from the get go, our intention was to acquire a veteran quarterback and we just obtained a player who continues to perform at a high level, which will make him the ideal role model for our young quarterbacks.”
READ MORE: Riders head coach/GM Chris Jones downplays Durant’s comments about contract talks
Durant started his career with the Roughriders in 2006 and was the backup quarterback when the team won the 2007 Grey Cup. He was quarterback when the team hoisted the trophy once more in 2013.
Over the previous 11 seasons with the Riders, Durant carries a 58-54-1 record in 113 career regular season starts.
The University of North Carolina product sits second among franchise quarterbacks with 3,519 attempts, 2,186 completions, and 28,136 yards while sitting third with 149 passing touchdowns.
Durant was named a West Division all-star in 2009 and 2013.
Global News was able to reach Alouettes WR Nik Lews just after the trade in Regina.
“It’s a good feeling to know that we are getting a veteran QB to come in,” Alouettes receiver Nik Lewis said.
“He’s someone that I played a lot against and that I’ve seen step in and make big plays.”
Durant took to social media after the trade and thanks the Riders fan base for his 11 years with the team.
“Dear Ridernation: This is a very emotional time for me right now and it’s hard to put my thoughts together, but I wanted to send out a thank you from the bottom of my heart.
11 years ago when I came up to Saskatchewan, I never could have imagined the love and support I’ve felt from the Rider fans across the world! Although I wanted to stay, everyone’s time comes and this is mine. I have so many cherished memories of my time in Green. I’m excited for a new opportunity.
I’ll say more later once this has sunken in. Thank you again!”