Elks’ Chris Jones has been in contact with Duron Carter regarding CFL return

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

Chris Jones has been in communication with Duron Carter about bringing the polarizing star north of the border for a return to the CFL.

Conversations between the two have focused on Carter playing defensive back for Jones on his defence with the Edmonton Elks.

During the 2018 season, Carter started five games at cornerback for Jones. He made 13 tackles, one knockdown and one interception which he returned for a touchdown, but was released while on a bye in Week 9.

The six-foot-five, 205-pound athlete spent parts of two seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders while Jones was head coach and general manager. Monday, October 16, 2017 was the most infamous day the two had together in Riderville.

Allegedly, Jones challenged strong-side linebacker Sam Williams to fight Carter after the two were competing hard while jawing back and forth in practice. Carter was coming off the best game of his professional career — 11 catches for 231 yards. Jones and his coaching staffed considered discipline, including suspension, but ultimately decided against any punishment.

Carter was at the centre of controversy for much of the 2016 season. He was suspended one game for bumping then-Ottawa Redblacks head coach Rick Campbell after scoring a touchdown in a game on June 30 and was involved in a practice confrontation with quarterback Rakeem Cato. The Alouettes released him in October and Carter missed the remainder of that season before signing with the Riders in January.

The native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida had his best CFL campaign in 2017 when he led the Riders with 1,043 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, including one on defence. He earned Saskatchewan’s Most Outstanding Player award while making plays as a receiver and cover man.

After that season, Carter was caught with more than 30 grams of marijuana-laced chocolate chip cookies at the Winnipeg International Airport on November 25, 2017. In February 2018, security officers at the Saskatoon airport found marijuana in Carter’s bag following a search. He was given absolute discharges and not disciplined by the three-down league either time.

Carter has played 91 career games over six seasons in the CFL (2013-2014, 2016-2019), making 343 catches for 4,764 yards and 30 touchdowns. He was named a league all-star twice, once with the Montreal Alouettes and the other with the green and white.

The 30-year-old last played in Canada during the 2019 season for the B.C. Lions. Carter is currently the head coach at North Palm Beach Prep in Florida.

Justin Dunk
Justin Dunk is a football insider, sports reporter and anchor.