In a move that measures a 10 on the Richter scale of relief for Edmonton Eskimos fans, Kwaku Boateng will be back in green and gold.

On Friday, the six-foot-two, 257-pound Canadian defensive-line standout avoided becoming a free agent 11 days later by signing an extension through to the end of the 2020 season.

“When I first came in, I was looking at the roster we had and it was all Americans (on the defensive line),” said Boateng, who was voted Edmonton’s most outstanding Canadian in November. “I was just determined to crack a roster spot and it just seemed the opportunities led their way to where I’m at now.

“So I’m very thankful.”

The Wilfrid Laurier product, who was the undisputed steal of a 2017 draft in which he was taken in the fifth round (41st overall), was the very definition of ratio breaker last year, moving into a full-time starting role on his way to 26 tackles while leading his team with nine sacks – the most by any Canadian in 2018.