B.C. Lions re-sign defensive back Eric Fraser through 2017 season

VANCOUVER – The B.C. Lions have re-signed veteran defensive back Eric Fraser to a contract extension through 2017, the club announced Friday.

The 28-year-old joined the Lions as a free agent in July and played 15 games after one season with the Ottawa Redblacks.

The native of Burnaby, B.C., who was set to become a free agent in February, registered 42 combined tackles on defence and special teams, while returning his only interception 56 yards for a touchdown.

“Eric is a disciplined defender who brought stability and experience to the safety position last season,” Lions head coach and general manager Wally Buono said in a release. “He’s a big part of the core Canadian talent on our team and it’s good to have him returning.”

Fraser was selected eighth overall by Calgary in the 2009 CFL draft and spent four seasons with the Stampeders before Ottawa took him in the third round of the expansion draft following the 2013 campaign.

“I’m thrilled to be back with the Lions,” said Fraser. “We have a great blend of youth and experience on this team and I believe we’re going to be a very tough team to play against this coming season.”

Fraser is the third player to re-sign with the Lions this week after offensive lineman Kirby Fabien and wide receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux also inked new two-year deals.