Courtesy Regina Leader Post:

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have spent a chunk of money on Chunky.

The CFL team announced Wednesday that import defensive tackle Marcus (Chunky) Adams has signed a contract extension, calling for one year plus an option. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Adams, 28, was to become a free agent in mid-February. The 5-foot-11, 285-pounder is the third prospective free agent whom the Roughriders have re-signed in recent days, joining offensive lineman Wayne Smith and tailback Wes Cates.

Although Adams has just completed his fifth season with the Roughriders, the 2007 campaign was his first as a full-time starter. The Roughriders promoted Adams after releasing veteran defensive tackle Nate Davis.

“Marcus is a top character guy,” Roughriders general manager Eric Tillman said in a prepared statement. “While he’s not super gifted athletically, he plays hard every snap, he plays each assignment exactly the way it’s drawn up and, as such, was a big part of our championship team.”

Adams started in 16 regular-season games, two playoff games and the Grey Cup. In the regular season, he recorded 35 defensive tackles, three tackles for losses and was tied on the team for second with six quarterback sacks.

“(Adams) fills other critical roles,” Tillman said. “He’s a great role model for the young guys and he always stays after to help mentor them as they work on their technique and the various nuances which will allow them to adapt more quickly to the Canadian game.

“Some vets are territorial or selfish. Marcus Adams, however, is truly a coach’s dream.”