EDMONTON - The Edmonton Eskimos avoided free agency with Canadian slotback Cory Watson on Thursday by signing him to a contract extension through the 2017 season.

Watson had 42 catches for 319 yards and three touchdowns last season.

He added two catches for 26 yards last Sunday in the Eskimos' Grey Cup victory over the Ottawa Redblacks.

Watson, a native of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Que., is a six-year CFL veteran.