Roughriders extend Durant, Best

Apr 27, 2012 - 4:34 PM Regina, SK (Sports Network) - The Saskatchewan Roughriders agreed to terms on contract extensions with quarterback Darian Durant and offensive lineman Chris Best on Friday.

Terms of the deals were not disclosed.

"We're extremely happy to have come to an agreement on terms with Darian," said Riders general manager Brendan Taman. "The CFL is a quarterback driven league, and Darian has proven he can lead this team. This extension allows us to move forward with Darian as our starting quarterback and achieve the ultimate goal of bringing another Grey Cup back to Saskatchewan."

Durant completed his sixth season in the provincial capital by throwing for 3,653 yards, 18 touchdowns and 14 interceptions on 299-of-489 passing. He added 381 yards and two rushing scores on 55 attempts.

For his career, the 29-year-old North Carolina product ranks third on the franchise's all-time list in passing yards (14,679), attempts (1,824) and completions (1,107), while connecting for 74 TDs against 63 picks.

"Chris is one of the best up and coming offensive linemen in the league," added Taman. "He had a great season last year and keeping him under contract for the future was big priority for us."

Best was the Riders' first-round draft pick in 2005. The Calgary native was the club's choice for CFL most outstanding lineman last season.