VANCOUVER — The BC Lions have officially signed receiver Bryan Burnham to a contract extension, keeping the CFL’s fourth-leading receiver under contract through 2018.

The news was announced Sunday night, two days before the start of free agency on Feb. 14.

Burnham, a 2016 CFL All-Star, was spotted at No. 5 on CFL.ca’s Top 30 Pending Free Agents in January.

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“Bryan enjoyed a breakout season last year and his return is great news for our team and our fans,” said GM and head coach Wally Buono. “Our offence made a lot of progress last season and keeping it intact will give us a very good starting point in 2017.”

Burnham (6’2”, 205) hauled in 79 receptions for 1,392 yards with three touchdowns in 2016 and notched at least one catch in all 18 regular season games. Circus grabs and clutch performances became the norm as Burnham’s totals trailed only Emmanuel Arceneaux among fellow Lions receivers and placed him fourth overall in the CFL. He ranked first however, with an astounding 15 receptions of 30 yards or more which accounted for his league-leading 17.6-yard per catch average.

“I have loved my time in Vancouver for the past three years and I’m very happy to be back,” said Burnham who will be in town on Tuesday. “The Lions gave me the opportunity to play the game I love so much and I’m excited about our team and the direction we’re going.”