Stampeders ink Drew Tate to contract extension

The Calgary Stampeders have announced the signing of quarterback Drew Tate to a contract extension.

Tate, 31, has served as backup to Bo Levi Mitchell for the past two seasons, passing for 322 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in 2015.

Terms of the extension were not disclosed. Tate's contract was set to expire following the 2016 season.

"Drew has been an important contributor to our success over the years and I’m pleased that he has chosen to make this commitment to the club," Stampeders general manager John Hufnagel said in a statement. "Quality and depth at the quarterback position is very important in the CFL and Drew is a big part of that for us."

Tate has spent nine seasons in the CFL, the past seven in Calgary after breaking into the league with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

"This is a great city and a great organization and I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue my career with the Stamps," said Tate. "I love playing with this group of guys and I look forward to the challenge of trying to get back to the Grey Cup."

The Stamps are coming off a season in which they lost in the West Final to the eventual Grey Cup champion Edmonton Eskimos.