Toronto Argonauts sign all-star tackle Chris Van Zeyl through 2016

TORONTO -- The Toronto Argonauts have signed national offensive tackle Chris Van Zeyl to a contract extension through the 2016 season.

Van Zeyl was named a CFL all-star last season. He has played in 76 games, including 65 stars, in over five seasons with the Argonauts.

The six-foot-six, 309-pound native of Fonthill, Ont., was part of the team's 100th Grey Cup winning season in 2012 while protecting star quarterback Ricky Ray.

"I am thrilled to extend my contract with the Argonauts," Van Zeyl said in a release. "Since I've been here, this team has made it a priority to fill our locker-room with exceptional players, as well as excellent coaches from whom I've learned so much. It is because of this commitment to excellence that I have been able to develop and flourish as a player here."

Van Zeyl originally signed with the Argonauts as a free agent in September of 2008 after being drafted by the Montreal Alouettes (18th overall) as a defensive lineman in the 2007 CFL draft. The McMaster University product was named a CIS All-Canadian, first Team All-OUA and the team's defensive lineman of the year in his senior varsity season.

"Chris came to us as a young, Canadian defensive lineman who had a very high athletic ceiling," Argonauts general manager Jim barker said in a statement. "We have watched closely over the years as he has grown and established himself as one of the top offensive tackles in our league. We are very happy to extend his contract and keep him in Double Blue into the future."