Fajardo, Roughriders talking ‘a little bit’ about contract extension

Cody Fajardo is running the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offence this season, and there’s apparently work being done to keep him in the Green and White.

The first-year starting quarterback currently has the Roughriders enjoying a six-game winning streak heading into the Banjo Bowl on Saturday in Winnipeg. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.

But Fajardo, who was a backup and short-yardage quarterback during his first three seasons in the CFL, only signed a one-year deal to join the Roughriders this past off-season. He said his agent and Roughriders general manager Jeremy O’Day are discussing an extension.

“I know that there has been a little bit of talking, but I’m focused on the football aspect of it,” Fajardo said after practice on Wednesday. “I know personally that it will all take care of itself. I just want to enjoy the time I have with these guys now and be in the moment and not worry about the future.”

Fajardo said he has a lot of trust in the organization and how it’s building the team.

“I just hope (the Roughriders) have a lot of trust in me to just continue to win games,” Fajardo said. “We have a chance for first place in the West this week. I’m excited about that opportunity. I can’t look at anything else.”

Fajardo has a 7-2 record since taking over the starting role from Zach Collaros, who suffered a concussion June 13 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The Riders traded Collaros to the Toronto Argonauts on July 31.

Fajardo has completed 196 of his 273 pass attempts in 2019, with nine touchdown passes and six interceptions. He also has rushed for 321 yards and seven touchdowns.

Fajardo said the fan support has been the thing he has enjoyed the most since signing with Saskatchewan.

“I think (Regina) fits well with who I am as a person. I think it’s a blue-collar city which is what I’m all about,” Fajardo said. “I love how everything is Roughriders. If you can get into a city where you’re the No. 1 thing in town, it’s pretty special.

“In the other places, you’re competing with other professional sports or other events but here, (the Roughriders) are the talk of the town and that’s an awesome feeling.”

He added the Roughriders are the first team to give him a chance to show he can be a starter in the CFL.

“I just want to continue to play well for (the organization) and show they didn’t make a mistake making me the quarterback,” he said.