Calgary Stampeders re-sign veteran defensive lineman Charleston Hughes

CALGARY — Defensive end Charleston Hughes signed a two-year contract extension with the Calgary Stampeders on Wednesday.

Hughes, who had a CFL-high 16 sacks this season, was eligible to become a free agent in February. He also registered 47 tackles and three forced fumbles in being named a league all-star for the third time.

“Charleston is a cornerstone of our defence and 2016 was another great season for him,” Stampeders president/GM John Hufnagel said in a statement. “He has maintained a high level of play since he first came to Calgary and I look forward to more of the same in the future.”

Hughes joined the Stampeders in 2008 and led the team in sacks in helping Calgary win a Grey Cup title as a rookie. He returned to the squad in ’09 after attending training camp with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles.