Discussing a possible contract extension with the Saskatchewan Roughriders doesn’t bother Cody Fajardo.
Fajardo’s one-year deal runs through the 2019 season with the Riders and it’s a bargain. Should Fajardo make every possible dollar on his contract – it would still be around $150,000 for a starting quarterback.
“If I was distracted that would’ve happened a long time ago because those contract talks have started since the first couple of games. I’m just focused on football,” Fajardo said.
Entering the 2019 season Fajardo had never started a professional football game. He was a backup and short yardage specialist with the Argos and Lions to begin his CFL career. General manager Jeremy O’Day and head coach Craig Dickenson saw the potential in Fajardo.
“I understand what’s going on, I just want to be able to go out and continue to win games and the best way I can do that is by focusing on football, watching film and staying out of the media,” Fajardo said.
“I honestly don’t read any of the media stuff, so it doesn’t really bother me. For me I stay out of it and I just try to stay in my own lane.”
As Saskatchewan’s starter, Fajardo has been mostly stellar leading the Riders to a 9-3 record. He’s thrown for 3,140 yards while completing over 72 per cent of his passes with 13 touchdowns against seven interceptions. The dual-threat QB has used his legs for 476 yards and 10 touchdowns on 81 rushing attempts, averaging 5.9 yards per carry.
“For me, when you’re in your contract year it’s always a little bit scary. You look at a guy like [Jeremiah] Masoli or you look at a guy like [Matt] Nichols who have an injury and it’s a season-ending injury and they’re in contract years,” Fajardo said.
“So for a guy like me who it’s my first time starting, it’s a little bit different than those guys who are already established.
The Riders initiated contract extension discussions with Fajardo’s agent. The 27-year-old quarterback wants to sign a long-term deal in Saskatchewan, but the talks aren’t real until money and dollars are involved.
“That’s just one of the things where we gotta kinda iron it out with my agent, but taking it week by week and just trying to win football games,” Fajardo said.
“Set this team up to give us a good chance in the playoffs to make a push at going to the Grey Cup.”
