It's the end of another chapter in Riderville. In a move that was anticipated all week after the acquisition of QB Michael Bishop, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have now released veteran quarterback Marcus Crandell.
It was a move that Riders brass made after two straight losses, including a 27-10 loss at the hands of the division rival Edmonton Eskimos. It would be mere speculation to guess the reason the Riders chose to go in this direction, but at first glance it was not a popular choice.
In his fourth season as a Rider quarterback, Crandell had a profound impact on the quarterbacking core in Saskatchewan. He is a real team player, and always supportive of the other quarterbacks in the system.
- B/R Ticket Guide
That includes Darian Durant, who has been in the system for three years working behind Crandell on the depth chart. According to Durant, Crandell was like a brother.
Eric Tillman apparently tried to trade Crandell, which would have allowed him to play under the same contract he signed with the Riders, but there were no takers. He will now have a chance to sign with any team he chooses.
Crandell has been a part of winning teams in all three CFL cities he's played in, icluding two Grey Cups (Calgary, Saskatchewan), and the Grey Cup MVP in 2001 with the Stampeders.
With his winning experience, and injuries playing an impact in the later months of the CFL season, it shouldn't be long before Crandell signs on elsewhere. If Casey Printers is out for an extended time, don't be surprised if Crandell ends up in the black and gold.
Marcus Cradell has been a class act in every city he's played in, and will be missed in the city of green and white.
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4 months ago
Nicely said. Lets hope Marcus remains in our players hearts but not in their heads leading up to Sundays tilt with the Bombers.
4 months ago
Thanks. As a Stamps fan, I remember how good of a guy Marcus Crandell is. As much as I knew it was time to move on then, it wasn't easy to see him go. I was extremely supportive of him as a starter, and you know he was an asset to the Riders as well.
4 months ago
Have you heard anything on Marcus coming back in a coaching capacity as of yet?
4 months ago
No I didn't. Did you hear anything?
4 months ago
Just that it was a possibility and that Eric intends to speak with him regarding some sort of continuance with the organization. I know you can expect current Riders and former Stamps DB Eddie Davis to get a coaching offer from either or both the Stamps and Riders.
MC has been recognized recently(by Durant and other teammates past and present) for his many coach/mentor-like attributes. The Riders currently employ no specific QB's coach... soooooo... you fill in the rest imagining you are ET.
Thats all I have for now. I hope you can enjoy the lamest of the games this weekend tonight with me and the rest of Canada. I understand many families spend Friday night together though.
4 months ago
It's probably like a Brian Clark situation in Calgary. Crandell would probably need a pretty big offer in order for him to leave Saskatchewan. Picking up and moving is always a hard thing, and for a small contract when he probably has a decent off season job, it isn't worth moving. Brian Clark was offered a position with Edmonton, but chose not to take it for exactly those reasons.
4 months ago
Interesting. It should then also be noted that Eddie Davis lives and works in Calgary in the off-season. Thats not in Saskatchewans favor for him while you point out it is for MC.
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