Extending the hometown hero

Andre Durie, who has become a dependable and versatile weapon in the Toronto Argonauts offence, has come to terms on a three-year contract extension with the club, sportsnet.ca has learned.

The York University product will likely sign the deal on Thursday afternoon, with some of the signing bonus money counting toward what is left of Toronto's 2011 salary cap. The remainder of the cash up front will be a hit on the 2012 books.

The Argonauts must register the contract with the CFL office before the end of the calendar year for cap purposes.

Durie had his deal restructured, avoiding the 2012 season becoming his option year, and in the process has become one of the top paid Canadian skilled position players in the CFL. The 30-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., will average between $110,000 and $120,000 for the duration of the contract after coming off his best season as a pro.

A dual threat, as a running back and slot receiver, Durie caught 54 balls for 665 yards and four touchdowns in 2011. He also had 18 carries for 106 yards.

The contract is Durie's third in the CFL, and also his most lucrative since originally signing with Toronto as a free agent on May 10, 2007.

Earlier this off-season, the Argos also signed non-import receiver Mike Bradwell to an extension.