Calgary Stampeders sign veteran slotback Lewis to contract extension

CALGARY – Nik Lewis is staying put.

The veteran slotback signed a contract extension with the Calgary Stampeders on Friday. Lewis, 30, was in the option year of his current deal and was slated to become a free agent in the off-season.

“This deal will give Nik the opportunity to play out his career as a member of the red and white,” John Hufnagel, Calgary’s head coach and GM, said in a statement. “There isn’t a lot that needs to be said about the importance of Nik to this football team.

“He is off to a great start in 2012 and we look forward to even more great football from Nik Lewis.”

Lewis has spent his entire nine-year CFL career with Calgary and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. The native of Mineral Wells, Tex., leads the CFL with 43 catches for 484 yards and seven touchdowns.

“I’m happy we were able to come to an agreement this early in the season and I look forward to playing my entire career with the Stampeders,” said Lewis. “I love playing in Calgary and at McMahon Stadium and I appreciate all the support the support I have received throughout my career.”

Last season, Lewis had a career-high 93 receptions for 1,209 yards and five TDs. He was the league’s top rookie in 2004 and four years later helped Calgary win the Grey Cup.

Lewis has been named a CFL all-star the last two seasons and five times claimed West Division all-star honours. He has surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving plateau in each of his previous eight seasons in Canada, the only Stampeder ever to do so.

Lewis is currently second in club history in career receptions (680) and yards (9,715) and third in touchdowns (59). He has caught at least one pass in a Stampeders’ record 146 consecutive games.