By News Talk Radio Staff

Tyron Brackenridge signs extension with Roughriders

Jan 26, 2015 | 4:19 PM

Much like a good hockey team, the Riders are continuing to build their team down the middle of the defence.

The team announced on Monday an extension with safety Tyron Brackenridge, who was set to become a free agent on Feb. 10. The deal comes just a couple of days after the team added to the middle of the defence by picking up linebacker Shea Emry from the Toronto Argonauts. Earlier in the off season, the Riders also signed an extension with defensive tackle Tearrius George.

“I’m very excited about this new deal. It’s just a great place to play ball, the fans are great. The family is happy; this is the only team I’ve been with in the CFL. There’s no place like home,” said Brackenridge.

For a number of weeks now much of the talk surrounding Brackenridge and if he might return to the Riders this season will be whether his position of safety will be turned into a spot for a Canadian after the team traded away centre Dominic Picard and they could lose another starting Canadian should offensive linenman Ben Heenan sign in the NFL or somewhere else in the CFL.

For the organization, that was never a consideration.

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“There was a lot of talk about his position being an issue. Frankly, when I do my end of it, it’s more about the business side of it,” said vice-president and general manager Brendan Taman.

It’s still yet to be seen whether Brackenridge will return to his familiar spot of safety where he has been an all-star the last two seasons as a number of dominos have to fall before that decision can be made.

No matter which direction the team goes in, Brackenridge doesn’t care.

“As long as I’m on the field and I’m able to make a difference on the field, that’s what I’m will to do,” he said.

Brackenridge also hasn’t had a chance to talk with new defensive coordinator Greg Quick to see what he might have in mind for number 41.

If you have a Brackenridge jersey, don’t worry, he won’t be changing numbers with Emry heading west to Riderville.

“I talked to Shea; I think I’m going to say with 41. It’s just respect factor,” said Brackenridge with a laugh.

“We joked about it, talking back and forth with it.”

This coming season will be Brackenridge’s fifth with the team. During that time, Brackenridge has picked up 196 tackles, 16 special teams tackles, nine interceptions, and two sacks in 59 games.

News and Notes

Taman did confirm on Monday that he’s made some offers to the other big two free agents in Weston Dressler and Heenan.

Taman hasn’t heard back from Dressler’s camp but he figures that normal at this point. As for Heenan, that’s a different situation with Heenan still potentially dealing with the NFL.

Darian Durant continues to progress slowly with his injured elbow. The team and their quarterback are taking it slow during the off season. Taman did suggest that Durant has been throwing a little bit.

Overall, Taman does expect to be busy when free agency opens on Feb. 10. One potential free agent Taman was asked about is linebacker Brian Peters who has had some NFL workouts himself. Peters and the team have been in contract for the man who would likely play WILL linebacker should he return.

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