Riders re-sign defensive back Nelson Lokombo

Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back C.J. Reavis (1) celebrates with defensive back DaMarcus Fields (22) and defensive back Nelson Lokombo (21) after recovering a fumble against the B.C. Lions during the first half of CFL football action in Regina, on Saturday, October 12, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

Nelson Lokombo will be returning to Saskatchewan for his fifth CFL season as the Riders announced his contract extension.

Lokombo, a national defensive back, was initially drafted by the Riders in the first round, second overall of the 2021 CFL Draft, according to a media release.

He played all 18 regular games in 2024, setting a career-high of 44 defensive tackles. During that time, he also had one tackle for loss, five pass knockdowns, one forced fumble, and his first career sack.

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During his time in the CFL, he has played in 34 career regular season games, making 64 defensive tackles, six special teams tackles, one sack, and two forced fumbles.

Before joining the CFL, Lokombo played at the University of Saskatchewan. His 2019 season earned him the Presidents’ Trophy as Canada’s most outstanding defensive player.

Lokombo, 25, is originally from Abbotsford, B.C.