Riderville reacts: how Rider fans are taking the trade of Darian Durant

The day that many in Riderville were waiting for has finally arrived.

On Friday morning, the Riders dealt franchise quarterback Darian Durant, a pending free agent, to the Montreal Alouettes for a pair of draft picks. Today is the day that will forever be linked to the team’s VP, GM, head coach and defensive coordinator Chris Jones. Whether Jones is able to find the next great quarterback in Saskatchewan will forever be his legacy in Rider Nation.

Since news of the deal broke, reaction has been pouring in from across the country. We’ve heard from Jones, we’ve heard (sort of) from Durant through his website, and through social media, we’ve certainly heard from the fans.

This trade even has people outside of Saskatchewan talking.

Sask. Roughriders, @sskroughriders is now trending in #Calgaryhttps://t.co/r76JJWihnN pic.twitter.com/lrKZ9ZQEhB

— Trendsmap Calgary (@TrendsCalgary) January 13, 2017

Not surprisingly, some aren’t thrilled with the news.

Boo! Congratulations on trading the face of the franchise 👎

— Kent Weare (@wearsy) January 13, 2017

#Riders chris jones takes away best players, ignores o line then when darian gets hurt 3 times blames him for a 5 win season. #leadership

— Tim Myrfield (@TimMyrfield) January 13, 2017

Hey, @ChrisJonesHC – whats your next move, shoot Gainer in front of a bunch of children? #riders #Fridaythe13th

— Dan (@ShrugMonster) January 13, 2017

https://twitter.com/BumfOnline/status/819902992476356608

Others, are trying to see the bigger picture.

Maybe, Chris Jones, who has won 4 Grey Cups, knows what he's doing, even if it's not what you think he should do?#Riders

— Jank'n Stank (@CanesIncognito) January 13, 2017

If you remove the emotions from the decision to trade Durant's rights to @MTLAlouettes it was the right decision. #riders #cfl https://t.co/q14biubWl0

— Prairie Swim Dad (@prairieswimdad) January 13, 2017

Well, as crappy as it is, and as much of a fan I am of Durant. Jones is building a team around a team, not one individual. #riders

— Ripped Gainer (@rippedGainer) January 13, 2017

Jones' 5 games comment wasn't a slag at Durant. He's saying team structure and way assembled with Durant at the helm wasn't working! #Riders

— Stu Douglas (@StuWild21) January 13, 2017

Even a Regina business is getting on the act.

Today only, to say goodbye to @dariandurant we're offering any Sask made craft beer for only $4 when you buy a Montreal Smoked Meat Poutine pic.twitter.com/IKNrCrNwqA

— Beer Bros. (@BeerBros) January 13, 2017

At the end of the day, everyone just wants to wish Durant well.

gonna miss you in the green and white. You are a true role model. #Riders fan here in #ithaca NY.

— SN (@YXESantosh) January 13, 2017

Thank you, Darian Durant. A class act who will go down as one of the greatest #Riders ever. All the best in Montreal! #CFL

— Tyran (@TyranAult) January 13, 2017

@dariandurant thank you – heart, leadership, integrity, guts, class. All day, every day. #Riders

— Linda Frank (@Lindaefrank) January 13, 2017

https://twitter.com/so_very_teri/status/819932216746647553

@dariandurant thanks for everything you did for the Roughriders and saskatchewan! We will always love you! Best of luck. #RiderNation

— Zac Klyne (@Zac_Klyne68) January 13, 2017

And hey, even the darkest day might have a silver lining or two.

this Durant trade is a great opportunity for me to get cheep tickets to see the new stadium #Riders

— Jason Powell (@SaskSneeze) January 13, 2017

Yes, Darian Durant being traded to Montreal sucks. But at least the #Riders aren't also moving to Los Angeles…

— DylanBozBossenberry (@dylanboz306) January 13, 2017

If you want even more reaction, there’s an entire message board thread dedicated to the trade here.