Riders, Alouettes engage in Darian Durant trade talks

The Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal Alouettes have recently engaged in trade talks regarding quarterback Darian Durant, per sources.

The deal could have seen Durant shipped to la belle province, potentially with other assets, then sign an extension with the Als. Sources say the Riders asked for QB Vernon Adams in return, that price was too high for Montreal general manager Kavis Reed.

Discussions surrounding a Durant swap have since cooled off, but it’s possible they could be revived before the 34-year-old signal caller is slated to become a free agent in February.

The Alouettes have been searching for a bona fide No. 1 quarterback since the departure of Anthony Calvillo after the 2013 season. It appears Reed is looking to make a big splash in order to rapidly improve his club, which finished 7-11 in 2016 and missed the playoffs for the second straight year.

“If Montreal gets Durant they get better real quick,” one CFL source says.

Meanwhile, the Riders have had on-again-off-again negotiations with Durant, though comments by general manager and head coach Chris Jones in November were taken by many as a sign the team could be moving on from the 2013 Grey Cup champion quarterback.

This isn’t the first the Alouettes have inquired about Durant. Back in September, then-general manager Jim Popp inquired into the availability of Durant as the Riders slid out of playoff contention.