The BC Lions have signed pending free agent wide receiver Lucky Whitehead to a contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2023 season. 

According to TSN CFL Insider Farhan Lalji, the new deal makes Whitehead the highest paid receiver in the CFL as he will earn $200,000 in hard money in 2022 and $205,000 in 2023. 

Whitehead would have become a free agent on Feb. 8 if not signed to a contract. 

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be back and to help this squad get to the next level,” said Whitehead. “We have some pieces already in place to contend year in and year out and I can’t wait to see what else this offseason brings.”

The 29-year-old American was named a CFL All-Star in 2021 after recording 60 receptions for 932 yards and four touchdowns over 12 games. He also had a punt return for a touchdown as well as a missed field goal return for a touchdown this season, his first with the Lions and second in the CFL. 

Whitehead, who played his college ball at Florida Atlantic, spent his rookie 2019 season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, helping them win the Grey Cup.