Collaros contract imminent, GM says
A successfully renegotiated contract with recently acquired quarterback Zach Collaros is “going to happen,” Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach and general manager Chris Jones said.
Next up for Jones is a trip to Florida, where he plans to meet with Duron Carter, who is eligible to become a CFL free agent Feb. 13, and hopefully make some headway toward a new contract.
“(Carter) had a couple of NFL workouts that he turned down,” Jones said Wednesday. “He’s got a vested interest in trying to stay in our league. He enjoys our league. I certainly hope that we can get him back in our jersey.”
The versatile Carter was named the Roughriders’ most outstanding player in 2017 after catching 73 passes for 1,043 yards. He added a team-high nine touchdowns, one of which was on an interception return during his first professional start at cornerback.
“Duron’s one of my favourite guys,” Jones said. “He knows that. He and I have got a real close relationship. Now it’s just a matter of me being able to go down to Florida (on Thursday). I’m going to have dinner with him and hopefully be able to meet up with his agent.
“We’ve got a team that we’ve got to put together. It’s kind of like a few years ago. We’re not going to overdo it for one position, and we’ve got a solid receiving corps with or without him. I love Duron to death, but he’s got to work with me a little bit, too.”
Negotiations on a restructured deal for Collaros, meanwhile, have proceeded well. Asked about the likelihood of an agreement, Jones stated: “That’s going to happen.”
“I feel very strongly that me and his agent have had some really good conversations,” he added.
“I don’t want to be too premature but, at the same time, I’d rather be straight up and honest. There’s been some real good conversations and I feel strongly about it.”
The Riders acquired Collaros from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Jan. 3 for a second-round selection (10th overall) in the 2018 draft.
Collaros has one year left on a contract that calls for $500,000plus, including a $200,000 roster bonus due Feb. 1.
Jones also noted defensive end Willie Jefferson, a pending free agent, “will be back with us.”