Offensive lineman Brendon LaBatte, left, was regarded as not only the top available lineman in free agency but the top player overall, along with Saskatchewan slotback Andy Fantuz. (John Woods/Canadian Press)
Brendon LaBatte is returning home.
The Saskatchewan native agreed to terms Wednesday with the hometown Roughriders. Contract details weren't immediately divulged but LaBatte's deal will reportedly pay him in the neighbourhood of $200,000 annually.
The Roughriders also announced Wednesday they had come to terms with centre Dominic Picard, another free agent who spent last season with the Toronto Argonauts.
The acquisition of the six-foot-four, 304-pound LaBatte is huge for the Roughriders, who entered free agency looking to shore up their offensive line. LaBatte, a native of Weyburn, Sask., was regarded as not only the top available lineman in free agency but the top player overall, along with Saskatchewan slotback Andy Fantuz.
Fantuz remained unsigned Thursday although the Hamilton Tiger-Cats remained in hot pursuit of the native of Chatham, Ont. With Saskatchewan investing heavily into its offensive line with LaBatte and Picard, it would seem the Ticats are solid favourites to secure Fantuz, the CFL's outstanding Canadian in 2010 who led the league in receiving yards that season.
Edmonton and Saskatchewan were reportedly both working hard to sign LaBatte, who had spent his entire CFL career with Winnipeg after being selected in the first round, sixth overall, by the Bombers in 2008 out of the University of Regina.
LaBatte was a CFL all-star in 2011 and helped Winnipeg reach the Grey Cup. The 25-year-old has the ability to play guard or centre but prefers guard and will play there in Saskatchewan with Picard's arrival.
Prior to the start of free agency Wednesday, the Riders released linemen Alex Gauthier and Marc Parenteau and are still awaiting word from veteran Gene Makowsky on whether he'll return for an 18th CFL season.
The six-foot-two, 302-pound Picard spent the last three seasons with Toronto after starting his CFL career with Winnipeg in 2006. The Blue Bombers were also interested in securing his services this time around.
Miserable start
Losing out on LaBatte capped a miserable start to free agency for Winnipeg. On Wednesday, the Bombers appeared to have an agreement with receiver Greg Carr, who later had a change of heart and decided to join the Edmonton Eskimos.
Also on Wednesday, former Bomber defensive lineman Don Oramasionwu signed with Edmonton, which combined with the retirement of defensive tackle Doug Brown leaves a big hole for Winnipeg up front.
On Thursday, Bombers defensive back Jonathan Hefney tweeted Thursday: "U know what I'm not gonna even get started with what our team is trying 2 do in this free agency.…But really like I could snap.
"Man seems like every team has gotten better except us.…I guess our three quarterbacks gonna play some receiver get the F outta here man."
Prior to the start of free agency, the Bombers re-signed starter Buck Pierce and backups Alex Brink and Joey Elliott.
"My whole mood is destroyed as of right now," Hefney also tweeted before apologizing to his teammates for the outbursts.
Stampeders sign DL Hughes
The Calgary Stampeders have signed defensive lineman Charleston Hughes to a contract extension.
Hughes had 40 tackles, seven sacks, an interception and two fumble recoveries last season.
Next season will be his fifth with Calgary.
Stamps coach/GM John Hufnagel calls the move "an important signing," saying Hughes has become more of a leader on the team.
Hughes has recorded 165 tackles, 25 sacks, an interception and four fumble recoveries with the Stampeders.
He earned a Grey Cup ring with the club in 2008.
Lions retain DBs Marsh, Phillips
On Wednesday, B.C. retained defensive backs Dante Marsh and Ryan Phillips, veterans who the Lions capture the 2011 Grey Cup. And according to a league source, the defending league champions have agreed to terms with longtime Toronto Argonauts cornerback Byron Parker.
Parker would become the second former Argo to head to B.C., following defensive back Lin-J Shell, who joined the Lions after being released earlier by Toronto. The two will be reunited with new defensive co-ordinator Rich Stubler, a former Argos head coach and defensive co-ordinator.
And late Wednesday night, former Edmonton linebacker Rod Davis agreed to terms with the Montreal Alouettes.
