On Monday, the Edmonton Elks re-signed veteran running back James Wilder Jr. to a one-year contract extension. Wilder was scheduled to be a free agent on February 8th.
James Wilder Jr. played 12 games in his first season for the Elks with 142 carries for 770 yards, two touchdowns, 28 catches for 226 yards, and one touchdown.
Wilder went undrafted out of Florida State in 2014 and was on the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills practice squad. In 2017, he signed with the Toronto Argonauts.
James Wilder Jr., on returning to Edmonton said, “I’m humbled and grateful to be back with the Green and Gold. I couldn’t be happier with the new staff that has so graciously embraced me from our very first conversation. Their positive energy and enthusiasm for this game we all love is infectious, and I can’t wait to get back to work this season.”
Wilder added, “I hope Edmonton is home for a long time, and I’m committed to doing my part both on and off the field to help this organization win the Grey Cup. My commitment includes my decision to be vaccinated, which will help ensure the health of everyone on our team.”
During his rookie season, Wilder had 122 carries for 872-yards, five touchdowns, and 51 catches for 533-yards, helping the Argonauts win the 2017 Grey Cup championship, and was named the CFL Most Outstanding Rookie. Wilder spent three seasons with the Argonauts (2017-19) before signing with the Elks in 2021.
Wilder has played in 56 games with 502 carries for 2,793 yards, 11 touchdowns, 182 catches for 1,713 yards, and six touchdowns.
