Tuesday CFL Notebook

The Edmonton Eskimos have extended the contracts of pending free agents Adarius Bowman and Almondo Sewell, keeping the all-star duo in Green and Gold through 2017.

Bowman recorded 1,304 receiving yards on a league-high 93 catches with a career-high seven touchdowns in 17 games (17 starts). He added five 100+ yard receiving games this season, including a 12-catch, 208-yard performance where he hauled in a touchdown pass in Week 18.

During the 103rd Grey Cup Playoffs, the Oklahoma State product recorded six catches for 74 yards and one touchdown in the West Final against Calgary. In the Grey Cup championship game, Bowman had four receptions for 73 yards, highlighted by a 23-yard touchdown in the first quarter.

Bowman was named a CFL Player of the Week three times, as well as a CFL Player of the Month for October. He also earned his second consecutive CFL All-Star nod.

Entering his 9th CFL season, Bowman has amassed career totals of 448 catches for 6,729 yards and 34 touchdowns.

Sewell recorded 35 defensive tackles, four quarterback sacks, one forced fumble and one knockdown in 18 games (18 starts). He started in the West Final against Calgary, recording three tackles and one forced fumble. In the Grey Cup championship game, he recorded three defensive tackles.

Earlier this month, he was named a West Division All Star and a CFL All-Star for the third consecutive season.

Entering his sixth CFL season, the native of Buff Bay, Jamaica, amassed 155 career defensive tackles and 27 quarterback sacks.

(Edmonton Eskimo Football Club)

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Calgary Stampeders general manager John Hufnagel is pleased to announce the re-signing of international defensive back Joe Burnett. Burnett was set to become a free agent in February. As per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Burnett, who had been eligible to become a free agent in February, played 13 games during his first season with the Red and White. He earned a starting job at cornerback in Week 6 and excelled until suffering a season-ending injury on Sept. 25 in Winnipeg.

Burnett totalled 25 tackles, three tackles for loss, a fumble recovery, eight knockdowns and two interceptions on the year. He also returned 12 punts for 139 yards.

“Joe played great football at cornerback for us and it was unfortunate that his season was cut short by injury,” said Hufnagel. “I look forward to seeing Joe back at full strength and speed in training camp so that he can try to pick up where he left off.”

A four-year CFL veteran, Burnett played three seasons with the Eskimos before signing with Calgary on Apr. 10, 2015. He was a CFL all-star in 2012 when he led the league with six interceptions.

“I enjoyed my first season with the Stamps and I’m working hard to come back strong in 2016,” said Burnett. “I just want to put my hand in the pile and contribute in any way the team needs me.”

(Calgary Stampeders)