The last day of January, and just over a week until C-F-L free agency begins, meant a pile of C-F-L news Monday.
It was highlighted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders announcing the signing of a restructured contract for 2022 with quarterback Cody Fajardo. The belief is that Corn Dog Cody will earn a little bit less than originally called for in 2022 as the Green and White either look at re-signing some key veterans or sign some available free agents on February 8. Fajardo joined the Riders in 2019, signed a two-year contract extension in October that year and extended his deal through 2022 last January. Last season, he led the team to a 9-5 record and the club’s first home playoff win at Mosaic Stadium. He threw for 2,970 yards and 14 touchdowns and rushed for 468 yards and four rushing touchdowns.
Earlier Monday, the Roughriders announced the signing of receiver Mitch Picton and defensive back Godfrey Onyeka to extensions of their contracts for 2022. Both are Canadians with Picton being a Regina popular, home-grown Regina product. Following are the news releases from the Green and White…..
DATE: January 31, 2022
RELEASE TIME: IMMEDIATELY
RELEASE: SR22-021
ROUGHRIDERS, FAJARDO AGREE TO RESTRUCTURED CONTRACT
The Saskatchewan Roughriders and starting quarterback Cody Fajardo have agreed to a restructured contract for the 2022 season.
Fajardo initially joined the Club during free agency in 2019 and was thrust into action during the first game of the season. He made his first start at quarterback the following week and went on to throw for 4,302 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 611 yards and another 10 touchdowns. The California native signed a two-year contract extension in October of 2019 and extended his deal through 2022 in January of last year.
“Cody has always been the definition of a team player, and this is just another example of that,” said Vice President of Football Operations Jeremy O’Day. “His leadership both on and off the field has been a large part of our success, and we appreciate his team-first mentality as we head into the 2022 season.”
In 2021, Fajardo led the team to a 9-5 record and the Club’s first home playoff win in new Mosaic Stadium. He threw for 2,970 yards (third most in the league) and 14 touchdowns (tied for second most in the league) and rushed for 468 yards (seventh in the league) and four rushing touchdowns (tied for fifth).
Fajardo was the West Division’s Most Outstanding Player in 2019 and has twice been voted the Roughriders Most Outstanding Player.
DATE: January 31, 2022
RELEASE TIME: IMMEDIATELY
RELEASE: SR22-020
CANADIANS GODFREY ONYEKA AND MITCH PICTON RE-UP WITH RIDERS
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed national defensive back Godfrey Onyeka and national wide receiver Mitch Picton to contract extensions.
Onyeka (6’2-200) played nine regular-season games as the West Final for the Roughriders in 2021. He made 24 defensives tackles, lining up at both cornerback and strong side linebacker. The 27-year-old also contributed on special teams, making seven tackles.
Onyeka was selected in the second round (10th overall) by Edmonton in the 2018 CFL Draft. He went on to play two seasons and 27 games with the Elks, tallying five defensive tackles and 13 special teams tackles.
The Brampton native was a standout at Wilfred Laurier University where he was a three-time USPORTS First Team All-Canadian, a three-time OUA First Team All-Star and a 2014 OUA All-Rookie. In 2016, he helped the Golden Hawks win the OUA Championship. Over his four seasons at Laurier, he made 180 defensive tackles, 10 interceptions, 11 knockdowns, five forced fumbles and two sacks.
Picton (6’2-200) had a breakout year in 2021, playing in ten regular-season games. Picton made 25 receptions for 218 yards and a 9.6 yards per catch average. He scored his first career touchdown in Week 2 against Hamilton.
The Regina native was selected by the Roughriders in the 5th round (37th overall) of the 2017 CFL Draft. He worked his way up to the active roster making his CFL debut on July 27, 2019 and suited up for two games that season.
Picton played in 38 collegiate games over five seasons at the University of Regina (2013-17). While with the Rams, he tallied 170 receptions for 2,447 yards and 24 touchdowns. In 2016, he led all Canada West receivers with 58 catches, 834 yards and 11 touchdowns and was named a 2016 U Sports First Team All-Canadian and Canada West All-Star.
