EDMONTON - The Edmonton Eskimos re-signed veteran linebacker JC Sherritt on Wednesday.

Sherritt is under contract with Edmonton through the 2017 season. He became a free agent noon ET on Tuesday.

Sherritt, the CFL's top defensive player in 2012, is entering his sixth season with Edmonton. Last year he had 71 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries and 13 special-teams tackles in 18 games, all starts.

He capped his 2015 season with four tackles in Edmonton's Grey Cup win over Ottawa.