Lions lock up veteran all-star linebacker Elimimian for two more CFL seasons

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.

Elsewhere, Jerome Messam is back with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The native of Brampton, Ont., made the move official Wednesday via social media.

“Thank you roughriders and CFL superagent John Murphy & Chris Jones for another opportunity at greatness,” the burly running back tweeted.

The 32-year-old spent parts of two seasons (2014-15) with the Riders, rushing for a combined 1,208 yards and three TDs on 205 carries. Saskatchewan traded Messam to the Calgary Stampeders on Oct. 14, 2015. Over two seasons with Calgary, Messam rushed for 2,214 yards and helped the Stampeders make consecutive Grey Cup appearances. But last week, GM John Hufnagel said Messam could test the free-agent market.