The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have signed free agent running back Kenton Keith to a three-year contract.
Sources tell TSN the deal works out to an average of close to $145,000 per season.
Keith joins a crowded backfield as local favourite Jesse Lumsden leads the team in rushing and Terry Caulley has filled in admirably when Lumsden has been out with numerous injuries.
"It's all part of the business," Lumsden said. "The only thing I can control is getting healthy and getting on the field. I don't know Kenton personally but I know that he's a great back and can help us."
Despite there being a lot of talented running backs already in the fold, Keith doesn't forsee any issues.
"I'm ready to build on what they've been building here," Keith stated. "I'm not looking to be the guy asking for what I want. I'm used to a two-back set whether it was with Corey Holmes, or Joseph Addai or with Jesse Lumsden or Terry Caulley."
"With an injury-filled season and an expiring contract creating uncertainty around their top back Jesse Lumsden, the Tiger-Cats had to protect themselves, particularly with rumours of Lumsden surfacing with the Eskimos next season," said CFL on TSN analyst Duane Forde. "However, don't assume this spells the end of Lumsden's time in black and gold because Hamilton would like to re-sign him. With the salary cap, having depth from which to trade is critical, as teams no longer view free agency as the primary way to fill holes."
Keith, who was released by the Indianapolis Colts, was courted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Calgary Stampeders and Edmonton Eskimos. Earlier this month, the Toronto Argonauts reportedly made a pitch to Keith but took themselves out of the sweepstakes.
"We're very excited to add another outstanding player to our team," said general manager Bob O'Billovich. "Kenton is a proven performer in this league and has demonstrated the ability to make big plays on the ground and as a receiver. He has the potential to score from anywhere on the field."
The New Mexico State product joined the Roughriders in 2003 and had two 1,000-yard seasons before joining the Colts in 2007. He was released by the Colts on Aug. 30.
In 43 games for Saskatchewan Keith, 28, scored 21 rushing majors and eight passing touchdowns. He finished in Regina with a 6.2-yard average per carry.