Lions ink Jeremiah Johnson to 2-year extension

Jeremiah Johnson's solid 2016 campaign has earned him an extended stay in BC.

The Lions signed the running back to a two-year contract extension Friday, keeping Johnson with the team through the 2018 season.

"It was an easy decision," Johnson said. "When you come this far in a season, West Final, and you can see all the attributes and great things your fellow teammates and coaches are doing, you don't want to be left out of this ride right here. Just the way we lost and the way we came out (against Calgary), you just want to get that nasty taste out of your mouth and I think the rest of the team should be feeling that way."

Johnson ran for 809 yards and seven scores in 2016, while splitting time with Anthony Allen.

"The more we used him, the better he got," Lions general manager and head coach Wally Buono said. "It's important for me to try to get our roster of guys (signed) that are hopefully going to play a bigger part in 2017. For us to be able to get a quality running back under contract for '17 and '18 speaks well. He's excited about being part of the BC Lions and I believe he will be just more productive and explosive next year."