BY PERRY LEFKO
sportsnet.ca
Quinton Porter is set to sign a contract extension with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, amidst rumours that the team considered trading him and fellow backup Adam Tafralis.
The Ticats quarterback told sportsnet.ca that his agent, Mook Williams, is working with the team on a new deal that will extend him through the end of next season. The extension could be announced this week.
Sources say the new deal will not be for the same dollar value of the existing deal, which would have paid him $125,000 a year. It's believed the new contract will have a value of $100,000 per season.
"I didn't want to go into this season saying, 'Cut me and let me take my chances, sort of thing," he said. "I'm having the time of my life right now. I want to know where I am and know what I'm doing and be happy with that. That's what we're trying to work on, said Porter"
The strapping 6-foot-5, 228-pound graduate of Boston College said he hasn't heard any rumours that he could be traded.
"Obviously they would be able to trade me if that's what they wanted," he said.
Porter is entering his fourth season in Hamilton.. He was considered the team's starting pivot heading into the 2009 season after a flashy rookie year where he threw 10 touchdown passes, four interceptions and totaled 1,496 yards in a limited role. He posted an impressive 102.3 quarterback rating and a 66.7 completion percentage during that time.
However, he struggled as the starter in 2009 and lost his starting role to veteran Kevin Glenn, who was signed as a free agent from Winnipeg with the intention of mentoring him. Porter threw only 21 passes in 2010, completing 10 for a mere 148 yards and had a 47.3 quarterback rating. He also rushed the ball 24 times for 104 yards, recording two touchdowns and three fumbles
Porter said he's expecting to back up Glenn next season, but could possibly be employed in more situations this year.
Ticats' general manager Bob O'Billovich extended the contract of linebacker Jamall Johnson this week. It's expected there'll be more extensions in the coming days.
