The Edmonton Eskimos will have one of the CFL’s most dangerous weapons back on their roster in 2018 as Derel Walker will be rejoining the team.
The team announced Friday that they’ve re-signed the receiver to a one-year contract extension.
“I have a lot of great friends on the team that I’m close with, the Grey Cup is in Edmonton so a lot of things added up,” said Walker.
“I feel comfortable in Edmonton because it feels like home. I’m looking forward to it, so go Esks, right!”
Walker started the 2017 season with the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He returned to the Eskimos in Week 12 last season and he’s looking forward to being with the Eskimos right from day one of training camp in 2018.
“There was slight interest but nothing that was down and pat,” said Walker on whether going back to the NFL was an option for him in 2018. “For the most part I just decided to come back to Edmonton this year, it’s going to be a special year.”
LISTEN: Derel Walker talks with 630 CHED’s Brenden Ullrich
Once returning from the NFL, Walker suited up in seven games with the Eskimos where he recorded 634 yards and two touchdowns on 48 receptions.
He added 12 receptions for 163 yards and a touchdown in two playoff games.
“I would say my play was fair because I’m very, very judgemental on myself,” explained Walker who didn’t quite get back to the level of dominance he established in 2016.
“In 2018 I would say the sky is the limit. This year I plan to switch up a few things in my off-season training just to go that extra mile. I want this to be my best season so far.”
Walker earned a shot at the NFL after an outstanding 2016 season with the Eskimos. He finished second in the CFL in receiving with 1589 yards. He also had 10 touchdowns. He finished second to teammate Adarius Bowman who finished with 1,761 yards. Together they combined for a CFL record 3,318 yards receiving by teammates.
Walker is a two time league All-Star. He also was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie in 2015.