Edmonton Football Team re-signs ratio-breaking defensive end Kwaku Boateng

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

The Edmonton Football Team has re-signed Canadian defensive lineman Kwaku Boateng for the 2021 season.

Boateng was scheduled to become a free agent in February 2021. General manager Brock Sunderland has secured a key part of Edmonton’s defence.

The six-foot-two, 260-pounder has developed into one of the CFL’s best pass rushers. Over the past three seasons, he’s made 68 total tackles, 21 sacks and one forced fumble in 52 career games. He carries a Canadian passport, which makes him a ratio-breaker at defensive end.

“Kwaku is a rare ratio breaker who has produced at a high level from the moment he stepped on the field for us in Edmonton,” said general manager Brock Sunderland. “He’s been a consistent stalwart for us and has had some NFL interest because of it.”

“Along with his outstanding play on the field, he’s become a very active figure for us in the community and loves Edmonton enough that he has made it his year-round home. We’re fortunate to have Kwaku continue on for us in the Green and Gold.”

Per source, this extension has made Boateng the highest-paid national defensive lineman in the CFL. He’ll make over $200,000 in 2021. #EE #CFL https://t.co/jPGKJfkXda

— John Hodge (@JohnDHodge) December 26, 2020

Boateng signed a two-year extension through the 2020 season to remain with Edmonton in February 2019. The 25-year-old went from making minimum salary on his first contract to national starter money on the new deal.

He received a $50,000 signing bonus and $175,000 in “hard money” for 2019. That was potentially the largest jump in salary for a Canadian player who entered the league on an entry level deal.

As a rookie, Boateng displayed the ability to get to opposing quarterbacks even as a rotational player. During his sophomore season, Boateng earned a starting role playing 16 games and recording nine sacks earning team Most Outstanding Canadian honours.

The two-time USports All-Canadian played an integral role in Laurier’s 2016 Yates Cup championship, the program’s first since 2005. Boateng is the Golden Hawks career sack leader (20.5) and proved his ability to rush the passer at the university level. He was a two-time academic All-Canadian as well.

Boateng was one of the Edmonton Football Team’s top pending free agents and the team was wise to make him a priority re-signing.