The third piece of the Roughriders receiving core is back for one more year.

Jordan Williams-Lambert signed a one-year contract extension after a 2019 season split between the Riders and NFL camp with the Chicago Bears.

Williams-Lambert says having 11 of the 12 starters on offence back from 2019 did not factor into his decision.

“I looked at spending time with the quarterbacks and just that time alone to where I just looked forward to getting back to the field,” Willaims-Lambert said. “It had nothing to do with looking at the roster (but) a lot to do with who was throwing the ball and who was going to be throwing the ball in the future.”

Before the 2019 season, Williams-Lambert led the Riders in receptions with 62. He also registered 764 receiving yards and four touchdowns through the air.

During the offseason, Williams-Lambert spent time in Nevada with quarterback Cody Fajardo to build chemistry.

He says he was impressed by the talent the Riders have at the QB position.

“I think from quarterbacks I’ve had in the past, I think they’re just as talented,” Williams-Lambert said. “I wouldn’t put it past them to make noise in the CFL, so I’m kind of looking forward to seeing how things play out.”

As a pending free-agent ahead of the 2021 season, Williams-Lambert says he didn’t consider free agency for very long.

“I take pride in the fan base they have there, I take pride in my receiver coach (Travis Moore) I have there,” Williams-Lambert said. “I feel like I owe to them before any other team in that league the opportunity to go for a Grey Cup, so if that’s the route I have to go, then that’s the route I have to go.”

Williams-Lambert admitted to dealing with a foot injury in 2019, but adds the time away from football has allowed him to heal and has spurred his excitement for the 2021 season.