LaBatte signs on for another four years
MURRAY MCCORMICK
Brendon LaBatte took care of his own business while reaching agreement on a four-year contract extension with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The veteran offensive lineman served as his own agent while negotiating the new deal with the CFL team. He also negotiated his last contract in 2016 with the Riders, a oneyear deal that was to expire after this season.
“I don’t know if there is really any advantage (to having an agent),’’ the four-time CFL all-star said after Monday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium. “Things just go a little smoother when there isn’t a middleman. You can look each other in the face while you’re across the table.’’
LaBatte had been eligible for free agency during the off-season. He weighed the benefits of going that route, then signed a long-term deal that could keep him with the Riders through the 2021 season.
“Liability and protectionwise, a prospective free agent is very vulnerable in the last few games,’’ said the Weyburnborn LaBatte, a 31-year-old veteran of 10 CFL seasons. “If something injury-wise was to happen and I wasn’t able to go in February, no one is going to sign me. I’m essentially sitting out a year with no income coming in. There was incentive on both sides to make sure that this got done.’’
LaBatte has started all 15 games this season while playing left guard and centre.
“He definitely deserves (the extension) after switching from guard to centre then back to guard,’’ Roughriders cornerback/receiver Duron Carter said. “He’s completely versatile and he definitely should be a CFL all-star this year.’’
LaBatte, a product of the Weyburn Eagles and University of Regina Rams, was selected by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers with the sixth overall pick in the 2008 CFL draft.