The loss in the West Final signaled the end of the season for the Riders. For pending free agents, it may have signaled the end of their time with the Riders.
After three seasons in green, linebacker Derrick Moncrief’s contract expires at the end of the year. The 26 year old believes his all-star play has earned him security and opportunity. Maybe even in the NFL.
“Hands down, I have,” says Moncrief. “You put the film on, it speaks for itself. Practice habits, study film, how I prepare, how I approach the game, it’s bar none.
“Regardless, I know I have a job. “I can play anywhere–NFL, CFL, XFL. For me it’s all about the opportunity and being ready when it presents itself.”
In the meantime, Moncrief will focus on recovery.
“I gotta rest a little bit. Playing my position, man I’ve been banging and banging all year long. For me, just taking a little time, decompress a little bit, get my mind right.”
For receiver Kenny Stafford, his story is a bit different. He is under contract for another season. But to call that ‘security’ might be a little much. Stafford didn’t take a single snap with the Riders after being acquired in an August trade.
“It’s humbling. This is very, very humbling. Very, very tough,” says Stafford.
“I guess they say ‘wait your turn’ or ‘be patient’. I don’t know how much more patient I can be.”
From the outside, it’s tough to imagine someone being a better teammate. With Shaq Evans’ injury, there was a chance Stafford would play in the West Final. A couple hours before the game, Evans ran drills and coaches confirmed that he would play, meaning Stafford would be scratched from the roster again. Despite that, Stafford showed nothing but happiness for Evans.
“Instead of being in my feelings, I just had to give him energy,” says Stafford, “Let him know that I’m behind him, let him know that I’m not upset and we got a game to win.”
“Selfishly, yes I did want to play. I have a lot left in the tank, have a lot to prove.
The ‘Team above Self’ mantra that Head Coach Craig Dickenson has preached this season.
Receiver Manny Arceneaux says he has loved the “first-class treatment” he’s gotten in Saskatchewan. With his one-year deal expiring, Arceneaux is prepared for the potential that he may have to move on.
“It’s strictly business. Just waiting to see what’s next. In the meantime it’s just daddy duty for me. I’m not going to be thinking about no football,” says Arceneaux.
“I ain’t hard to find. Everybody knows where to find me. If they’re looking for me, they can hit me up.”
In all, Arceneaux has played 12 games with the Riders, making 23 receptions for two touchdowns. He took his Week 17 move to the bench in stride, and was ready to return to the starting lineup three weeks later.
“Overall I’m kinda pleased with my performance,” says Arceneaux. “And the role that I had to take here in Saskatchewan I think I carried that role pretty well that was asked of me.
