Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders have taken one of the top pending free agents off the market, announcing they’ve reached a contract extension with Pierre Lavertu.
A former first overall pick and a veteran centre of three years, Lavertu was the top-ranked offensive lineman on CFL.ca’s list of the top 30 pending free agents.
“I’m pleased that Pierre has committed to the Stampeders,” said president and general manager John Hufnagel. “I’m looking forward to him being healthy again and getting back in the lineup.”
“Pierre is a great communicator and a great leader on our offensive line,” said head coach Dave Dickenson. “We’re a better team with Pierre in the lineup and we’re happy to have him back.”
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The Calgary Stampeders have been busy locking up key free agents (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
Lavertu, a graduate of Laval University, was the top pick by the Stampeders in the 2014 CFL Draft. He made three starts in his rookie season that year, helping the Stampeders capture a victory.
After starting all 18 games at centre and becoming the anchor of the Stamps’ O-line in 2015, a season-ending knee injury sidelined Lavertu eight starts into his 2016 campaign.
While his availability for the start of the season may be up in the air, the 26-year-old will have a key persence on the Stamps’ O-line in 2017 — one that has led the league with the fewest sacks allowed in each of the last two seasons.
“It was always my goal to return to the Stampeders and I’m very happy to continue my career in Calgary,” said Lavertu. “From the moment I arrived, I fell in love with the fans and the organization. I feel like we have unfinished business as a team and I’m looking forward to getting back on the field.”
