Riders extend contract of leading rusher William Powell through 2021

Running back William Powell will look to continue to lead the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ rushing attack in 2021.

The Green and White announced Thursday it had signed the 32-year-old Powell to a one-year contract extension. He could have become a free agent on Feb. 9.

The Duncanville, Texas-born running back started his CFL career in 2015, when he signed with the Ottawa Redblacks.

He enjoyed success in Ottawa, including being named an East Division all-star in 2017 and again in 2018. He suffered an Achilles tendon injury in 2016, missing the entire season in a year that saw the Redblacks raise the Grey Cup.

Powell signed as a free agent with the Roughriders on Feb. 12, 2019. In his first season with the Riders, Powell had 215 carries for 1,093 yards — the second-most rushing yards in the league — and tied for the CFL lead with 12 rushing touchdowns. He also added 296 yards and two touchdowns in the passing game.

During his CFL career, Powell has rushed for 3,928 yards and 25 touchdowns.

The Roughriders also announced they had signed American linebacker DeMarquis Gates and American defensive lineman Markus Jones.