The Saskatchewan Roughriders avoided free agency with one of their top players from last season's defence,

National Safety Mike Edem inked a two-year contract extension with the Riders on Thursday that will keep him in Green and White through the 2020 season.

The 29-year-old had a career-high 61 defensive tackles and two interceptions while starting all 18 games for the Riders last season. He also had two tackles and a sack in the Western Semi-Final.

Edem was originally a third overall pick by the Montreal Alouettes in the 2013 CFL Draft. In six CFL seasons, he has 172 defensive tackles, 50 special-teams tackles, eight interceptions, five sacks and four tackles for loss.

Edem was scheduled to become a free agent on Feb. 12.