ARGOS RE-SIGN WAYNE SMITH, JERMAINE GABRIEL

TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts re-signed offensive lineman Wayne Smith and defensive back Jermaine Gabriel, both Canadians, to contract extensions Friday.

Smith’s deal is for two seasons while Gabriel is under contract through to the ’18 campaign. Both players were scheduled to become free agents Tuesday.

“Jermaine is a young player who is at the prime of his career and we think it’s time for him to establish himself as a leader in our locker room and the best safety in the league,” Argos GM Jim Barker said. “He is a proud Toronto native who is an active member in our community and we look forward to seeing him continue his career here.”

The five-foot, 199-pound Gabriel, a Toronto native, had a career-high 51 defensive tackles and two forced fumbled in 13 regular-season games last season.

“I’m excited to be able to stay in Toronto and play in front of my friends and family, there’s nowhere else I would have preferred to be,” Gabriel said. “I look forward to continuing to build as a player and a role model here, and can’t wait to get to training camp to start our journey towards the 104th Grey Cup.”

The six-foot-two, 300-pound Smith, a native of Burlington, Ont., is entering his 12th CFL season and fifth with Toronto.

“Wayne’s versatility has made him an invaluable member of our offensive line since he arrived in Toronto,” Barker said. “He is a leader in the locker room and a player that has really bought into the Argonauts culture.”

Smith, a two-time Grey Cup champion, has started 40-of-68 games since joining the Argos prior to the 2012 season.

“I’m excited to extend my career with the Toronto Argonauts and couldn’t imagine finishing my career anywhere else but here at home in Toronto,” Smith said. “I can’t wait for our new beginning at BMO Field this season.”

(Canadian Press)