On the heels of Jared Zabransky being released by the Edmonton Eskimos Wednesday afternoon, there were questions of whether or not the Saskatchewan Roughriders would pursue the services of the former Boise State quarterback to bring a fourth signal caller into training camp.
The Riders declined. Now, we know why.
As first reported by sportsnet.ca, Chris Leak — a two-time Grey Cup champion with the Montreal Alouettes — signed a two-year deal with the Riders on Thursday.
The contract includes a small signing bonus and the now 26-year-old (his birthday was Tuesday) will spend some time in Saskatchewan, meeting with the club’s offensive staff and getting a feel of the playbook.
Leak, who had a decorated collegiate career and led the Florida Gators to a 13-1 season as a senior including the 2007 BCS national championship, impressed the Roughriders during a free agent camp in Florida last month. Saskatchewan’s football brass was impressed with Leak’s arm and physical tools, not to mention his strong knowledge of the game. His work ethic has never been questioned. Often, when he was with the Alouettes — as either the backup or No. 3 pivot on the depth chart — he’d be one of the last to leave the field, long after practice working with young receivers on routes and to establish timing.
Where Leak fits in Saskatchewan’s quarterbacking hierarchy is anyone’s guess. Darian Durant remains the clear-cut starter in Regina, but behind him, CFL veteran Ryan Dinwiddie and 2010 third stringer Cole Bergquist join Leak on the depth chart and spots two through four are wide open.
Leak played twice last season — once in spot duty when Montreal starter Anthony Calvillo was hurt in August against Winnipeg, and finished the 39-17 victory over the Blue Bombers. But in his first CFL start two weeks later, he struggled against the B.C. Lions, going 15-for-27 for 135 yards with two interceptions and a fumble.
The Als cut Leak on the eve of free agency in February.
Prior to his stint in Montreal, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats brought Leak to camp for a quick look before releasing him less than a week after signing the Charlotte, North Carolina native in June, 2008.
Leak’s signing makes it unlikely that Saskatchewan will pursue a quarterback in Sunday’s Canadian College draft. University of Ottawa’s Brad Sinopoli is far and away the most talented at the position, while Regina Rams starter Marc Mueller is said to have drawn interest from Edmonton.
