April 14, 2016

Esks lock up franchise QB Reilly through 2018

THE CANADIAN PRESS

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Eskimos have signed quarterback Mike Reilly to a contract extension, keeping him in Green and Gold through 2018.

“I couldn’t be more excited to continue my career in Edmonton with the Eskimos,” says Reilly. “I have always had the utmost confidence in Ed Hervey’s vision for this team and that has been strengthened by the addition of Jason Maas and his coaching staff.

“I take great pride in being a part of the Edmonton community and this great organization, and I can’t wait to get back to work with my teammates and try to win another Grey Cup.”

The 2015 Grey Cup MVP entered the CFL in 2010 with the BC Lions, where he was a member of the 2011 championship team.

Reilly was traded to Edmonton in January 2013 with a second round draft pick in exchange for Edmonton’s second round picks in the 2013 and 2014 drafts. Set to become a free agent in a few weeks, he signed a contract extension, keeping him off the market and in Green and Gold.

In his first season as starting quarterback, the six-foot-three, 230-pound Reilly finished second in the league with 4,207 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. He led all QBs in rushing that year with 709 yards, making him the first Eskimos quarterback since 2007 to run for over 700 yards in a season.

» MIKE REILLY BY THE NUMBERS

CFL.ca

He signed a contract extension on June 23, 2014 and followed up with 3,327 yards and 11 touchdowns that season. For his efforts, Reilly was named to the West Division All-Star Team.

“Mike is a true professional and exceptional player. He works hard and is a fierce competitor and leader, on and off the field. He has become a franchise player and continues to push himself and his teammates to be the very best. We are pleased to reach an agreement to extend his career with the Edmonton Eskimos,” says Eskimos Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Ed Hervey.

Last season, after returning from a knee injury sustained in Week 1, Reilly went on to complete 214-of-329 passes for 2,449 yards with 15 touchdowns upon his return in Week 11 for the Labour Day Classic.

He was named a CFL Player of the Week three times in Weeks 2, 18 and 19, a CFL Player of the Month for October and the Eskimos Nominee for Most Outstanding Player.

The native of Kennewick, Washington led the Eskimos to a 10-game win streak en route to winning the 103rd Grey Cup championship.