'I am the quarterback of the Saskatchewan Roughriders': Darian Durant keeping quiet on contract talks

Its been two weeks since the Riders practiced at home.

Their prolonged eastern road trip was a success with wins in Ottawa and Toronto. There was also a photo op with the prime minister.

When they weren't rubbing shoulders with the leader of the country, there was also some serious bonding time amongst themselves.

As if they stole the idea from Remember the Titans the Riders' brass mixed up the sleeping arrangements.

"We had different guys room with each other on purpose so they had to do some cross-pollination of friendships." said Chris Jones after their indoor walkthrough practice on Tuesday, their first day of preparation for Saturday's game against the visiting Montreal Alouettes.

The Riders' head coach and general manager certainly has his club on a roll, albeit a tad late.

The Riders have reeled off four straight wins, but with only three games left, their playoff hopes have already vanished.

Developing a winning culture is the mission before the players go their separate ways after their game in Vancouver on the first Saturday of November.

The future looks bright in Saskatchewan with a young and improving team and a shiny new stadium up and ready to go.

However a harmless question thrown to Darian Durant regarding the new stadium was the opportunity the Riders' quarterback was waiting for on Tuesday to drop a little reminder, that there's no guarantee he will be a part of the team that moves down the street.

"Well I don't even think too much of that new place, I'll think about it if I have a deal but right now it's all about finishing up this year." said Durant.

Durant who has been with the Riders organization for a decade sounds like there may be some doubts whether he will still be the man to lead them into the new era.

His contract expires in February and until he signs a new one, there will be constant inquiries from media.

"My job is to play football, if I continue to play well and at a high level, everything will fall into place, I'm just focused on Montreal."

(Reporter) "Are you expecting to go into free agency?"

(Durant) "I'm just focused on Montreal."

(Reporter) "Has there been any progress you're aware of?"

(Durant) "I'm just focused on Montreal."

(Reporter) "You brought it up."

(Durant) "I did (laughter) I'm just making it be known, until it's written on that good contract sheet of paper, I'm focused on this season, these games, and I can't worry about what's going to happen in that new stadium."

When reminded Montreal may be a team interested in his services should he dive into the free agent market in February, Durant stayed the course.

"I'm not worried about that either, I am the quarterback of the Saskatchewan Roughriders ... We'll take care of that stuff when it's time."

Chris Jones added that talks are moving in a positive direction and they're hoping to hammer out something soon.

"Darian is a lifelong Rider and again we want him here and so I think both sides are headed in the right direction." said Jones.

During their win over the Argos on Saturday, Durant joined the CFL's 28,000-yard club moving past his former mentor Kerry Joseph into 16th on the all-time list.