Kerry Joseph to try out with NFL's Saints
Saskatchewan quarterback and reigning league MVP Kerry Joseph could be leaving the CFL after leading the Roughriders to their first Grey Cup title in 18 years.
Joseph, who guided the Roughriders to a 23-19 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Grey Cup game in November, is scheduled to work out with the NFL's New Orleans Saints on Feb. 13.
If all goes well at the tryout and Joseph feels he has a chance to play with the Saints, the 34-year-old said he would exercise his option in his Saskatchewan contract and go to the NFL.
Joseph is heading into the final year of his contract with the Roughriders and is scheduled to earn $250,000 in 2008, but he's hoping to renegotiate his current deal after he agreed to take a $125,000 pay cut last season.
"I'm not upset with the Riders,'' Joseph told the Regina Leader-Post. "I'm not seeking NFL opportunities because I'm mad at the Roughriders and because of my contract. It's just an opportunity.''
Because Joseph is in the option-year of his CFL contract, he has until Feb. 15 to exercise a standard escape clause that allows players in his contractual situation to pursue NFL opportunities.
"When people are interested, you're willing to listen and you're willing to talk,'' said Joseph. "Nothing is written in stone, but you live by chance and opportunity. Basically, that's all it is.''
Joseph did say he is eager to renegotiate his contract.
"I love playing in Saskatchewan and I would just love to get my contract up to par with the other quarterbacks around the league,'' Joseph said.
"I'm being patient with it. It's a process and I'm trying to be patient with it. I just believe in my heart that in due time, when it presents itself, that Saskatchewan is going to do the right thing.''
Last season, Joseph ranked third in passing with 4,002 yards and helped Saskatchewan win its third Grey Cup championship in club history and first since 1989.
The six-foot-one, 210-pound Joseph also became the first Roughriders quarterback to win the league's most outstanding player award since Hall of Famer Ron Lancaster did it back in 1976.