Former Ticats defender Erik Harris signs extension with Raiders

The Oakland Raiders have signed safety Erik Harris to a two-year contract extension through the 2020 season.

Harris could have been a restricted free agent, but he gets $2.5 million dollars on a new deal that could pay a total of $6.5 million.

Excited to announce I’ll be staying in the Silver & Black for 2 more years. S/O to the best agent ever @surroundsound11 youngmoneyapaasports for helping me get this deal done. Thank you to… https://t.co/59ZuTg5I57

— Erik Harris (@e_harris_31) March 8, 2019

The 28-year-old from Los Angeles, California originally signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2016 playing in four games prior to tearing his ACL which Harris recovered from in time for training camp in 2017. The Raiders signed Harris quickly after the Saints let him go in September. Both the 2016 and 2017 seasons Harris was mainly a special teams player. 2018 was Harris’ best NFL year yet making 49 combined tackles, defended seven passes and intercepted two balls in 16 games at safety.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats inked Harris in 2013 and he spent three seasons in the Hammer playing in 45 games making 79 tackles another 27 on special teams and three interceptions as a standout SAM linebacker.

For what it’s worth 🤷🏽‍♂️…. D2, Not fast enough, 3years in CFL, just a special teamer at this level, Torn ACL, lateral, and medial meniscus. 😴🤫🔋 https://t.co/JnFNO5vMQQ

— Erik Harris (@e_harris_31) February 21, 2019

Harris carved out an NFL opportunity by playing well in the CFL and earning his way towards more playing time with the Raiders.