Riders' Fantuz agrees to 1-year extension
Last Updated: Thursday, October 15, 2009 | 7:36 PM CT
CBC Sports
Andy Fantuz has 37 receptions worth 527 yards this season. (Jimmy Jeong/Canadian Press)Non-import slotback Andy Fantuz reached terms Thursday on a contract extension with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Financial details were not disclosed, but Fantuz committed to re-sign with Saskatchewan for one year and an option if he isn't picked up by an NFL team prior to the CFL's free-agent deadline on Feb. 15.
"It has given me a window to explore my options in the NFL if there are any," Fantuz told reporters following Thursday's workout. "That is what I was looking for because I didn't want to be tied down.
"I'm going to explore that option after this season and the next couple of seasons. We're going to take it one step at a time."
"Every kid's dream, if they are going to play football, is to play in the NFL," Roughriders head coach Ken Miller stated. "If he has that opportunity, I wish him well."
Fantuz, a former Hec Crighton Trophy winner as the most outstanding CIS player, has 159 receptions for 2,401 yards and 16 touchdowns in 52 games since he was drafted third overall out of the Western by Saskatchewan in 2006.
The Chatham, Ont., native has 37 catches for 527 yards and three touchdowns in nine games this season, his fourth as a pro.
"The Riders are a good fit for me," he said. "I like the team, the community and the whole organization from the coaching staff to my teammates."
Fantuz was named the top Canadian in the 2007 Grey Cup, won 23-19 by Saskatchewan over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Toronto.
With files from The Canadian Press
