RIDERS TALKING TO BARRIN SIMPSON

By Ian Hamilton Tue, Mar 16 2010 COMMENTS(0) Rider Rumblings

I just got off the phone with free-agent linebacker Barrin Simpson, who said he has had conversations with the Roughriders.

The 32-year-old spent the past four seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after playing with the B.C. Lions for five seasons. He was released by Winnipeg after the 2009 season.

"That’s a class organization over there in Saskatchewan," Simpson said. "It’s definitely a place I’m considering. There are some other options out there, but you want to be in the best situation, having that opportunity to win a championship.”

Having lost Rey Williams to the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers this off-season, the Roughriders may indeed be interested in Simpson's services.

He's also well-acquainted with Saskatchewan general manager Brendan Taman, Roughriders receivers coach Bob Dyce and Saskatchewan offensive co-ordinator Doug Berry (all of whom were in Winnipeg during Simpson's time there) and with Saskatchewan defensive co-ordinator Gary Etcheverry (who was in B.C., when Simpson came into the league).

For more, see Wednesday's Leader-Post.