Argos sign RB James Wilder Jr. to extension

The Argos have signed running back James Wilder Jr. to a two-year contract extension through the 2019 season.

Just days ago Toronto offered zero signing bonus and around $100,000 on a new deal.

Wilder Jr. stated in late January that he would not return to the Argos in 2018 playing for $56,000 after the club refused to let him pursue NFL interest.

“James had an incredible rookie season with us in 2017 and we’re thrilled we were able to reach a deal with him to extend,” said Argos GM Jim Popp said in a statement. “We look forward to how James will continue to build on his game in his second year in Canada.”

Possessed with the Dream!!!! #CreatedPlayer #getWILDER

A post shared by @ iam_wilder32 on Mar 3, 2018 at 7:07am PST

Wilder was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie last season after rushing for 872 yards and five touchdowns on 122 carries, posting a CFL-high 7.1 yards per attempt.

The six-foot-two, 232-pound native of Tampa, Fla., also caught 51 passes for 533 yards and a team-high 467 yards after the catch.

Wilder rushed for 52 yards and added 58 yards on eight receptions in Toronto’s 25-12 win over Saskatchewan in the Eastern final, including a crucial third-down catch to move the chains on the team’s game-winning touchdown drive. The rookie back added 13 yards and a touchdown in Toronto’s 27-24 win over the Calgary Stampeders in the 105th Grey Cup.

-CP