Riders’ QB Cody Fajardo leaves contract extension talks to agent and GM

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

Riders quarterback Cody Fajardo is leaving any possible contract extension talk with the appropriate people.

“That’s for my agent and Jeremy [O’Day] to figure out. For me I’m excited to play football. Whatever happens, happens. I’m excited to be here, I love this place and it’s been really great to me,” Fajardo said.

The 27-year-old took over for Zach Collaros after he suffered a concussion on a head shot from Ticats’ linebacker Simoni Lawrence in Week 1 and eventually was traded to Toronto. Fajardo is 5-2 as Saskatchewan’s starter, including a four-game win streak.

“It’s also a little bit easier when we’re winning. I know we’re going to be faced with some adversity and it’s not all rainbows and candy canes,” Fajardo said.

He’s completed over 74 per cent of his passes for 1,871 yards with seven touchdowns against four interceptions plus 52 carries for 275 yards and six majors on the ground. The most notable touchdown was the diving, game-winner against Hamilton in Week 8.

Fajardo spent last season with the B.C. Lions completing 14-of-20 for 153 yards and one touchdown while rushing 42 times for 108 yards and five touchdowns. He was mainly the short yardage pivot for the Lions and had never started a game until the 2019 season. That was prior to signing a one-year deal with the Riders during free agency in February.

Saskatchewan would likely want to lock Fajardo into a long-term deal, but it’s going to come at a price.