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(1) Durant is a legend (repeat). He is one of four Grey Cup-winning starting quarterbacks in franchise history — the others being Ron Lancaster, Kent Austin and Kerry Joseph.

(2) This is somewhat in alignment with (1), but the Roughriders are moving into Mosaic Stadium 2.0 in 2017. It would be a shame if Durant was not behind centre for Saskatchewan when the new facility opens, considering all he has done for the franchise.

(3) Durant has made it clear that he wants to be a Roughrider for life. Elite quarterbacks haven’t always been as committed to Saskatchewan.

(4) The Roughriders need some positive public relations. Ideally, Weston Dressler and John Chick would have finished their CFL careers in green and white, but it was not to be. Given the importance of quarterbacking and the prominence of Durant, Jones and company don’t have any choice but to get this deal done.

(5) There is not a clear alternative to Durant. James Franklin, an understudy to Mike Reilly with the Edmonton Eskimos, has a history with Jones. There are rumblings that Franklin could end up in Saskatchewan next season. Even if that happens, do the Roughriders really want to hand the quarterbacking reins to an unproven player during a season in which the team must exhibit that it is progressing? Gale looked promising early in the season, but he needs more reps before a definitive evaluation can be made.

(6) Although Durant suffered season-ending injuries in 2014 and 2015, he has rebounded nicely. A streamlined Durant is as quick and elusive as ever. He has also absorbed some major hits — in addition to forcing a fumble — without being injured.