Running back James Wilder Jr. is heading west for the first time in his CFL career.
The Tampa Bay, Florida native signed with the Edmonton Football team on Tuesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Wilder Jr. had previously retired from the CFL because of uncertainty surrounding the 2020 season that would eventually end up being cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.
The Montreal Alouettes signed Wilder Jr. to a one-year contract for that 2020 season. He requested and received his release from the Toronto Argonauts in late November after playing 14 games for the double blue in 2019, the final year of his contract.
Wilder Jr began his CFL career as a member of the Toronto Argonauts. In his first season, the running back recorded 872 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while adding 467 yards receiving on his way to CFL Most Outstanding Rookie honours. In his CFL career, Wilder has accumulated 3,514 all-purpose yards and 14 total touchdowns.
Prior to coming north of the border, Wilder Jr. spent two seasons on the Cincinnati Bengals practice roster and had a stint with the Buffalo Bills. The same season Wilder Jr. signed with the Argos, Trestman was the bench boss following his time with the Chicago Bears.
