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There should be less drama surrounding the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defensive backfield in 2019.

That’s an improvement considering how much talk was devoted to Duron Carter seeing playing time at receiver and cornerback in 2017 and 2018.

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Carter was an all-star receiver and a serviceable defensive back — albeit one who returned both his interceptions for touchdowns — with a big-time personality that attracted fans and media.

Photo by Mark Taylor / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Was Carter worth all the hype and attention? Chris Jones, then the Riders’ general manager and head coach, eventually decided it wasn’t and cut Carter on Aug. 11.

Carter’s release was followed by improved play from the Riders, who had a 3-4 record before the stunning move. Without Carter, the Riders were 9-2 en route to posting a 12-6 record and playing host to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the West Division semi-fina, won 23-18 by the visitors.

One of the reasons for the Riders’ regular-season finishing kick was the performance of the defensive backfield. Two player-related transactions don’t usually turn around a season, but the deletion of Carter and the addition of defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy were key August moves made by the Riders.