Two-time CFL all-star defensive back Ed Gainey wants to re-sign with Saskatchewan and the Riders have let him know the feeling is mutual.
“I’m waiting for February 11. The team expressed that they want me back and I want to be back. So, we’ll see where it goes. Free agency is a part that I haven’t really experienced yet. I’m not obliged to it,” Gainey told The Rod Pedersen Show.
“Like I said, I want to be in Saskatchewan, they want me back, so hopefully we come to something here before free agency or whenever we do. But at the end of the day, I’m going to do what I have to do for myself and my family. I don’t wanna really get too much into it. I’m just gonna leave it at that.”
Gainey started all 18 games for the Riders in the secondary as the team produced a 13-5 record and earned top spot in the West Division. The 29-year-old made 56 tackles and intercepted two passes. Saskatchewan lost in the Western Final on the last play of the game when Cody Fajardo’s pass hit the upright.
“I feel like we kicked the door in the West, man. These last few years we’ve been demanding our respect,” Gainey said.
Originally Gainey signed with Saskatchewan during free agency in 2016. He started his career playing two seasons for the Montreal Alouettes then moved on to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for two seasons.
“It was a different situation. I hate to bring it up but you know that it was the Eastern Finals when we played Ottawa when I was with Hamilton. I gave up that big pass to [Greg] Ellingson and then my option year was up, they didn’t want my option,” Gainey said.
“Since Hamilton didn’t want me back I felt like too many teams weren’t going to be interested in me and Saskatchewan they pulled that trigger.”
Gainey signed a one-year contract as Chris Jones brought him to Regina. After recording 49 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and a defensive touchdown, the Riders inked Gainey to a three-year extension which officially runs out on February 11, 2020.
Since moving to the prairies, Gainey has played at a high level, including a standout 2017 season when he nabbed 10 interceptions. The current Riders regime led by general manager Jeremy O’Day and head coach Craig Dickenson want Gainey back in green and white.
