By MURRAY McCORMICK, Leader-PostMarch 6, 2010 4:02 AM
REGINA — It appears that import running back Wes Cates is to remain a member of the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Culley Curran, Cates's agent, said Friday that he expects a deal to be completed early next week.
Culley Curran, Cates's agent, said Friday that he expects a deal to be completed early next week.
"Wes is more than excited about the prospect of remaining in Saskatchewan,'' Curran said from Toronto. "His heart and passion is to stay with the Green and White. We're really close to getting something done that will allow him to remain with the Roughriders.''
Cates, who had spent three seasons with the Riders, became a free agent on Feb. 15. There were reports of other teams like the Toronto Argonauts and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats being interested in signing the 30-year-old Cates. Ultimately, Cates want to stay with the Riders.
"To say that Wes Cates didn't attract some attention from other teams would be an insult to everyone's intelligence,'' Curran said. "The truth is Wes wasn't terribly interested in entertaining any other teams. He wanted to make sure that his relationship with Saskatchewan was strong enough and that it was his choice.''
"To say that Wes Cates didn't attract some attention from other teams would be an insult to everyone's intelligence,'' Curran said. "The truth is Wes wasn't terribly interested in entertaining any other teams. He wanted to make sure that his relationship with Saskatchewan was strong enough and that it was his choice.''
Cates started his CFL career with the Calgary Stampeders in 2006. In 2007, Cates was traded to the Riders in a package that saw centre Rob Lazeo head to Calgary. During the 2007 regular season, Cates rushed for 866 yards on 152 carries with five touchdowns and had 45 receptions for 452 yards . In the playoffs, Cates rushed for 125 yards on 25 carries and helped the Riders beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 23-19 in the Grey Cup game.
In 2008, Cates was named a CFL all-star after rushing for 1,229 yards on 216 carries and recording 39 receptions for 451 yards. Cates also scored 12 rushing touchdowns and caught two others.
Cates underwent off-season shoulder surgery and missed the first two games of the 2009 season. He still rushed for 932 yards on 195 carries and had 33 receptions for 336 yards. He also scored two rushing touchdowns and caught two passes for majors. He rushed for 148 yards on 27 carries in two playoff games.
Cates, a native of Columbus, Ohio, has also become involved in the community through his ties with the Riders.
"It took him a while to understand how Saskatchewan works and getting used to that,'' said Curran. "But you're talking about a kid who came from Columbus, where football is a religion. He's come to learn that Columbus isn't the only place where football is a religion. He's warmed up to the community. He's comfortable there and the community has embraced him with open arms.''
Curran has had experience with the popularity of Cates because he has family that lives in Saskatchewan.
"I had calls from them telling me that I had better get this done,'' Curran said with a laugh.
Riders general manager Brendan Taman said before the free-agent deadline that his priority was re-signing his own players. The re-signing of Cates means that Riders have re-signed 13 of their free agents.
Riders general manager Brendan Taman said before the free-agent deadline that his priority was re-signing his own players. The re-signing of Cates means that Riders have re-signed 13 of their free agents.
The squad lost just two players to other teams — backup quarterback Steven Jyles signed with the Blue Bombers and wide receiver Gerran Walker was picked up by the Argonauts. Veteran defensive back Eddie Davis retired rather than re-sign and import offensive tackle Cliff Washburn won't be offered a contract.
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