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This compulsive columnist is anxious to appease readers who have pleaded for a respite from a torrent of columns about Darian Durant.

As a welcome alternative, here is a James Franklin column.

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According to Justin Dunk of 3downnation.com, Franklin is “one major factor that could play into the entire quarterback situation” with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Roughriders football-operations supremo Chris Jones is reportedly interested in acquiring Franklin from the Edmonton Eskimos, to whom he is under contract through the 2017 CFL season.

Dunk wrote on Monday that a trade for the 25-year-old Franklin could compel Jones to pass on re-signing Durant, 34, who can become a free agent in mid-February.

The 3downnation report added that if a deal for Franklin could not be consummated, Jones would then attach greater importance to negotiating an extended contract with Durant.

Franklin is a known commodity to Jones, who was the Eskimos’ head coach in 2014 and 2015. Franklin made his CFL debut with the 2015 Eskimos and played a role in a Grey Cup championship season, making two starts while star pivot Mike Reilly was sidelined by a knee injury.