The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American running back William Powell to a one-year contract extension for the 2021 season.
Powell was eligible to become a free agent in February.
The five-foot-eight, 210-pound Powell returns for his second season with the Riders. In his first year in Saskatchewan, Powell had 215 carries for 1,093 yards (5.1 yards per carry) and 12 rushing touchdowns while adding 37 receptions for 296 yards and two majors. He ranked second in the league in rushing yards and tied for first in touchdowns.
The 32-year-old back played in all 18 games last season for the Riders and was part of a ground game that along with quarterback Cody Fajardo rushed for a league-best 22 touchdowns.
Through his CFL career to date, Powell has had three 1,000-plus yard rushing seasons in four years. He’s played in 53 regular season games, registering 715 carries for 3,928 yards (5.5 yards per carry) and 25 touchdowns. The Duncanville, TX native has also caught 127 receptions for 1,015 yards and six touchdowns.
Powell has made three playoff appearances including the East Semi-Final in 2017 and East Final and Grey Cup with Ottawa in 2018, and the West Final with the Riders in 2019.
Powell is a two-time East Division all-star receiving honours in 2017 and 2018, and won a Grey Cup in 2016 as a member of the Redblacks.
