The Calgary Stampeders have signed national offensive lineman Zack Williams to a contract extension. The Winnipeg native had been eligible to become a free agent next month.
“We feel the offensive line will again be a strength for us in 2022 and after establishing himself as a starter last season, Zack should be a big part of that unit,” said team president and general manager John Hufnagel in a press release. “I was very pleased with Zack’s progress in 2021 and look forward to seeing him continue to develop and further raise his game.”
The six-foot-five, 305-pound blocker played all 14 regular season games for the Stampeders in 2021 and made 13 starts at left guard. He also started the Western Semi-Final in a loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Williams was part of a unit that allowed the second-fewest sacks in the league and blocked for tailback Ka’Deem Carey, who led all running backs with seven rushing touchdowns and was second in the league in both rushing yards and yards from scrimmage.
The University of Manitoba product is the fifth veteran offensive lineman to sign a deal with the Stampeders this off-season, joining a group that includes holdovers Julian Good-Jones, Sean McEwen and Ryan Sceviour as well as the returnee Derek Dennis, who had two previous stints in Calgary.
“I’m thankful to the Stampeders organization for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to the season,” said Williams. “I believe we have the players and coaches in place to be a serious contender for the Grey Cup.”
Williams was the Stamps’ third-round selection in the 2019 draft and he appeared in two games as reserve during his rookie season. He was a Canada West all-star at the University of Manitoba in 2018.
