Roughriders sign CFL all-star Willie Jefferson to contract extension
Jefferson set career highs with 45 defensive tackles and eight quarterback sacks in 2017
The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced they have signed international defensive lineman Willie Jefferson to a contract extension.
The 27-year-old joined the green and white in September 2016 after spending his first two seasons in the CFL with the Edmonton Eskimos.
Jefferson started all 18 regular-season games last season and registered career high numbers with 45 defensive tackles and eight quarterback sacks, along with a league-leading 37 quarterback pressures.
Jefferson registered a blocked a punt as well, which he also recovered and returned 22 yards for a touchdown.
He was named a CFL All-Star and West Division All-Star in 2017.
"Willie is an important part of our team culture and has developed into a leader on and off the field," said Chris Jones, Riders Vice-President of Football Operations, General Manager and Head Coach, in a news release.
"He is a versatile player with a rare combination of size and speed. At 27 years old he has lots of good football ahead of him."
Jefferson was set to become a free agent on Feb. 13.