Andy Fantuz is returning to southern Ontario.
The veteran slotback agreed to terms on a contract with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday morning after spending a couple days weighing his options.
"Strange to feel heartbroken and thrilled at the same time," Fantuz wrote on Twitter. "Love you forever Ridernation! Western Ontario I'm coming HOME!"
Financial details weren't available but a league source said Fantuz received a six-figure signing bonus from Hamilton and will earn a base salary of $180,000 per season. The final year of Fantuz's deal with the Saskatchewan Roughriders last season was said to pay him a $150,000 base salary that ended up being pro-rated as he missed the first half of the year while on an NFL tryout.
The six-foot-four, 220-pound receiver had spent the last six seasons with Saskatchewan and was named the CFL's top Canadian in 2010 when he led the league in receiving yards.
But the 28-year-old native of Chatham, Ont., became a free agent Wednesday and opted to sign with Hamilton and play closer to his family and friends.
"After a very difficult deliberation process, the opportunity to play for my local team, in front of family and friends, was impossible to refuse," Fantuz said in a statement released by the Ticats. "While Rider Pride will always be a part of me, it's time to head to Tigertown. Hamilton has a great tradition of football excellence and I am thrilled be a part of a team that will immediately challenge for a Grey Cup. I look forward to getting to know my new teammates and representing the Tiger-Cats in southwestern Ontario."
He also had a word for the organization he was leaving behind.
"I want to thank the Riders organization, my teammates and, especially, the people of Saskatchewan," said Fantuz. "My experience there was unforgettable and I am so proud to have been able to represent the Rider fans. I wish you nothing but the best and hope that you will do the same for me in return."
Fantuz played his college football at Western Ontario in London before starting his CFL career in Regina.
Friday wasn't a good day for Saskatchewan fans as longtime Riders offensive lineman Gene Makowsky announced his retirement after an illustrious 17-year career.
Fantuz, currently on vacation in Africa, and former Winnipeg offensive lineman Brendon LaBatte were regarded as the top two available players in CFL free agency.
On Thursday, LaBatte, a native of Weyburn, Sask., also opted to play closer to home, signing with the Roughriders after spending his first four CFL seasons with Winnipeg.
Fantuz's new deal will keep him under contract with Hamilton through the 2015 season.
He registered 289 catches for 4,311 yards and 23 TDs during his six seasons with the Roughriders. He also helped Saskatchewan capture the '07 Grey Cup, being named the top Canadian in the club's win over Winnipeg with four catches for 70 yards and a TD. Overall, Fantuz made three Grey Cup appearances with Saskatchewan.
"The opportunity to acquire a talent like Andy Fantuz in the prime of his career doesn't happen very often," said Ticats GM Bob O'Billovich. "It's great news for our players and our fans in Tigertown and I know (new head coach George) Cortez is excited to get Andy on the field with our talented group of offensive players."
Saskatchewan selected Fantuz third overall in the 2006 CFL Canadian college draft after his college career at Western. During his four seasons with the Mustangs, set CIS and OUA records for career receiving yards (4,123), single-season receiving yards (1,300 in 2002), career receptions (189) and career TD catches.
He also claimed the Hec Crighton award as Canadian university football's top player in 2005.
Fantuz was limited to just 13 catches for 175 yards in four games with Saskatchewan last season, hampered by an ankle injury after being released by the NFL's Chicago Bears and returning to the Riders.
But he enjoyed his best CFL season in 2010, registering 87 catches for 1,380 yards to be named the league's top Canadian player.
The addition of Fantuz adds to what has already been an active off-season by the Ticats, who have hired a new head coach (Cortez) and acquired veteran quarterback Henry Burris in a trade with the Calgary Stampeders.
Hamilton finished third in the East Division standings last season with an 8-10 record, but dispatched defending champion Montreal in the conference semifinal before losing 19-3 to Winnipeg in the division final.
