When Darian Durant’s playing rights were traded to Montreal last week, we knew a contract between the Alouettes and Durant was just a formality.
But when the Alouettes confirmed Durant had agreed to a three-year contract on Thursday, it was like a punch to the gut for the Rider Nation.
Gone is a two-time Grey Cup champion who was the starting quarterback for the 2013 Grey Cup championship.
Gone is a player who led the Riders to three Grey Cup appearances in five years.
If you look at this – honestly – gone is a 34-year-old player who has been hampered by injuries in recent seasons.
What makes this tough to stomach for Rider fans is the team received nothing of substance in return. There are two draft picks and a salary dump.
It’s going to take a big name signing with this newly freed up money to invigorate a fan base that goes into the weekend in a lousy mood.