March 6, 2017

Esks extend O’Donnell through 2020

Walter Tychnowicz/CFL.ca

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Eskimos have extended the contract of national offensive lineman Matt O’Donnell, keeping him in Green and Gold through 2020, the team announced Monday.

O’Donnell, who slots in at right guard, has helped anchor the Eskimos’ offensive line since returning from the NFL part way through the 2015 season. That year, the Comox, B.C. native helped pave the way for an Eskimos’ Grey Cup Championship over the Ottawa REDBLACKS.

“Matt is a proven leader amongst his teammates,” says Eskimos vice president of football operations and general manager Ed Hervey. “Matt has developed into one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the CFL. His physical toughness and competitiveness is exactly what we want on our football team, particularly on the offensive line.”

The 27-year-old originally joined the Eskimos in 2011 after being picked in the second round, 15th overall in the CFL Draft. After three seasons in Green and Gold, O’Donnell tried his luck south of the border with the Cincinnati Bengals — his second stint on the Bengals’ practice roster.

A year after returning to the league and winning his first championship in 2015, O’Donnell helped pave the way for the league’s most efficient offence in 2016. The Eskimos led the CFL with 418.7 yards per game, ranking second in both passing and rushing yards while also allowing the second-fewest sacks.

In six seasons, the 6-foot-11, 350-pound Queen’s alum played 67 games (56 starts) at right guard, right tackle and left guard.