THE CANADIAN PRESS

REGINA -- The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed import quarterback Darian Durant to a contract extension Wednesday.

Durant had a breakout season last year and solidified himself as the team's starter. He completed 339-of-561 pass attempts for 4,348 yards and 24 touchdowns in 18 regular-season games.

He added 60 carries for 501 yards and three touchdowns.

Durant, 27, was named a West Division all-star and was the Riders' nominee for the league's most outstanding player award. He was heading into his option year with the team.

Since joining the Riders in 2006, Durant has completed 417-of-691 pass attempts for 5,484 yards and 31 touchdowns in 59 games. He has recorded 725 rushing yards off 88 carries with four touchdowns.

The Riders traded quarterback Dalton Bell to the Toronto Argonauts earlier in the week for a fifth-round draft pick. That leaves Cole Bergquist and Graham Harrell to battle for the backup QB position.

Also Wednesday, the Riders signed import running back Wes Cates to a new contract.

Cates, 30, had 195 carries for 932 yards and five touchdowns last season. He also recorded 33 receptions for 336 yards and two touchdowns.

Over four CFL seasons, Cates has 584 carries for 3,313 yards and 24 touchdowns. He has 138 receptions for 1,525 yards and five touchdowns in 62 regular-season games.