The first of 27 potential free agent re-signings was announced Tuesday morning by the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Import running back Marcus Thigpen will be back…terms of the contract extension were not revealed. The 32-year-old rushed for 408 yards and four touchdowns, averaging eight-and-a-half yards per carry, caught 24 passes for almost 10 yards per reception and a major score. The Detroit product also scored a touchdown on a kickoff return…fielding 21 kickoffs and 12 punts for the Green and White.
That was the positive news on “Garbage Bag Day” as the Riders’ players and staffs cleaned out their lockers and desks, met with the media one last time for the 2018 seasons…which ended with Sunday’s 23-18 loss to Winnipeg in the C-F-L Western semi-final…and headed for home until next year. Following is the news release from the Roughriders…
RELEASE TIME: IMMEDIATELY
RELEASE: SR18-118
RIDERS RUNNING BACK MARCUS THIGPEN SIGNS EXTENSION
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed international running back Marcus Thigpen to a contract extension.
Thigpen (5’9 – 195) will remain with the Riders after completing his second season with the Green and White.
Through 13 regular-season games in 2018, the 32-year-old Thigpen registered 48 carries for 408 yards and four touchdowns while adding 24 receptions for 233 yards and one touchdown. He also had 12 punt returns for 87 yards and 21 kickoff returns for 521 yards and one touchdown.
The Detroit native also played in the Western Semi-Final, picking up five carries for 15 yards and two receptions for 12 yards.
Thigpen was eligible to become a free agent in February 2019.
