RIDER SIGNINGS ANNOUNCED

REGINA — The CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders have announced the signings of free-agent offensive linemen Brendon LaBatte and Dominic Picard.

The Weyburn-born LaBatte, 25, spent the past four seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after excelling with the University of Regina Rams. The 6-foot-4, 304-pounder was an East Division all-star in 2009, 2010 and 2011, and a CFL all-star last season.

Picard, 30, has CFL experience with Winnipeg and the Toronto Argonauts. The 6-foot-2, 301-pounder was the Argos’ starting centre for the past three seasons after spending three years with the Bombers.
The Bombers drafted both players when current Roughriders general manager Brendan Taman was Winnipeg’s GM. LaBatte was the Bombers’ first-round choice (sixth overall) in 2008. Picard was a third-rounder (23rd overall) in 2006 after playing at the University of Laval.

The signings of LaBatte and Picard follow the addition of Regina-born defensive back Paul Woldu, whose signing was announced by the Riders on Wednesday night.

Woldu, 27, has spent the past four seasons with the Montreal Alouettes. He is a product of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and the PFC’s Regina Thunder.

The highest-profile free agent — Andy Fantuz — remains unsigned. The 28-year-old slotback, who was named the CFL’s outstanding Canadian in 2010, spent the past six seasons with Saskatchewan.