Riders repatriate Canadian RB Kienan LaFrance

Saskatchewan has signed Canadian running back Kienan LaFrance to a one-year contract for the 2019 season.

The Riders parted ways with LaFrance last January to avoid paying a $20,000 bonus due Feb. 1. He was formally released late on Jan. 31. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed LaFrance for one season in 2018 around $80,000. He rushed for 36 times for 137 yards and two touchdowns while catching eight balls for 64 yards.

LaFrance originally signed a two-year contract with the Riders shortly after hitting the free agent market in February 2017, a deal that paid him around $110,000 per season and was set to expire at the end of the 2018 season. He cashed in from a strong post-season in 2016 when Ottawa won the Grey Cup and LaFrance amassed 199 rushing yards and one touchdown on 36 carries while adding six grabs for 31 yards during the Redblacks’ championship run.

The 27-year-old played in 13 games for the Riders carrying the ball 68 times for 273 yards and two touchdowns adding 14 catches for 123 yards and one major during the 2017 season.