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B.C. Lions sign linebacker Solomon Elimimian to contract extension

Feb 14, 2018 | 9:36 AM

VANCOUVER — The B.C. Lions signed American linebacker Solomon Elimimian to a contract extension through the 2019 season Wednesday.

Elimimian, 31, had a league-record 144 tackles last season with B.C.

“Solomon has been the centrepiece of our defence for a number of years and this is great news for the club and our fans,” head coach Wally Buono said in a statement. “He continues to play at a very high level and I know how deeply he cares for this team and being part of our community.”

Elimimian was the CFL’s outstanding player in 2014 and twice has been the league’s top defensive player (2014, 2016). The four-time all-star has appeared in 114 career regular-season games with B.C., and has registered 719 tackles, 29 sacks eight interceptions and eight forced fumbles.