Possibilities seem endless for talented fan favourite

Whether Duron Carter was catching touchdown passes or dispensing movie passes, he proved to be a popular presence with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Hence the celebration that followed Monday’s announcement that Carter, who was eligible to become a free agent on Feb. 13, had signed a one-year contract extension with the Roughriders.

Carter’s words of Jan. 26, 2017, when it was revealed that he had first signed with the Green and White, proved to be prophetic.

“In my opinion, people should definitely be buying a Carter jersey,’’ he said nearly a year ago. “... As of right now, I would love to be in Saskatchewan, and currently see myself being there as long as possible.’’

His words were as reliable as his hands.

Carter created highlights both on and off the field last season, cheerfully accommodating fans and media types, even treating members of the Rider Nation to a free movie the day before the East Division final in Toronto.

So much for the apprehension that surrounded his arrival in Saskatchewan. He was reputedly a bad apple, but soon became a core player with the Roughriders.

Mysteriously cast aside by the Montreal Alouettes in October 2016, he found a new home in Saskatchewan. The Roughriders and Carter proved to be a perfect fit.

Considerable credit must go to Roughriders head coach, general manager and vice-president of football operations Chris Jones, who held regular meetings with Carter during the 2017 season.

There were occasional flareups, such as an in-practice imbroglio with teammate Sam Williams and a tantrum during the regularseason opener in Montreal, but they were brush fires that were easily extinguished.

On the whole, the fire Carter brought to Saskatchewan was an invaluable asset. He was capable of scorching defensive backs, as evidenced by his team-high 1,043 receiving yards, or lighting up the field in other ways.

Moonlighting as a cornerback, he intercepted Calgary Stampeders quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell for a 43-yard pick six.

On another occasion, the 26-year-old Carter returned a missed convert 113 yards for a score.

And now he’s returning for another season. The possibilities seem infinite.

As well as Carter played for the Roughriders in 2017, when he was named a CFL all-star and the team’s most outstanding player, it could be argued that he’s barely scratched the surface.

Carter could be used more advantageously on offence. He caught eight regular-season touchdown passes in 2017, but none in the final eight games leading up to the playoffs.

He exceeded the 1,000-yard milestone, but only twice was he over 100 in a single game.

In his single start at cornerback, he made one of the most mindbending plays in Roughriders history. What if he becomes a twoway player more frequently?

What if it the offence was designed around him?

Carter is blessed with the kind of talent that could see him eclipse the Roughriders’ singleseason receiving yardage record of 1,715, set by Joey Walters in 1981.

Walters set his record in 16 games. The Roughriders’ regularseason schedule now includes 18 contests. Given more time, and more passes in his direction, Carter could be poised for a once-in-a-generation season.

Whatever transpires, Carter’s second season in Saskatchewan should prove to be fabulous theatre.