Gainey signs contract extension with Roughriders

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have locked up one of their defensive stalwarts.

The CFL team announced Monday veteran defensive back Ed Gainey — who could have become a free agent Feb. 9 — had signed a one-year contract extension.

The 5-foot-11, 193-pound DB initially joined the Roughriders in 2016. Now 30, Gainey played in 18 regular-season games with Saskatchewan in 2019 and recorded 56 tackles and two interceptions. He added two tackles in the West Division final.

The Appalachian State product also has had CFL stints with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Montreal Alouettes.

In 114 career regular-season games, Gainey has registered 272 tackles, 34 special-teams tackles, one sack, 20 interceptions and four forced fumbles. He also has scored four touchdowns.

The Roughriders had 34 potential free agents when the CFL released its list on Dec. 4. So far, Saskatchewan has signed 22 of those players to contract extensions and released one.

The 11 potential free agents on the CFL’s official list include linebackers Cameron Judge and Solomon Elimimian, defensive end Charleston Hughes, kicker Brett Lauther and Regina-born punter Jon Ryan.

Lauther and Ryan were among the players who opted out of their CFL contracts in August after the league cancelled its season due to COVID-19.