Sports

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Calgary Stampeders' Brandon Smith, left, tackled BC Lions' Shawn Gore during the second half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday October 8, 2011.Gore has re-signed with the BC Lions, the club announced Thursday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Shawn Gore considered other options, but decided in the end to stay with what he knew.

The receiver signed a new three-year contract with the BC Lions on Thursday after trying out for three NFL clubs and bypassing a chance at CFL free agency.

"I'm really excited that we came to an agreement," said Gore, whose deal includes two years plus an option. "I know where my future is heading for the next little while."

The speedy wideout led the Lions with 722 receiving yards in 2012. The Toronto native has spent three seasons with the team after being selected in the second round (10th overall) in the 2010 Canadian College Draft.

Before committing to the Lions, Gore had tryouts out with the New York Jets, New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts.

"They went well, but I wasn't invited to a training camp," he said. "So I could have done a little better."

Gore, who was due to become a CFL free agent Feb. 15, also wants to do better with the Lions in 2013. He is looking forward to playing a "big offensive" role in place of departed veterans Geroy Simon and Arland Bruce III.

Simon, the CFL's all-time leading receiver, was traded to Saskatchewan, while Bruce was released and subsequently signed with the Montreal Alouettes.

"It affects me as being a leader," said Gore. "They are two veteran leaders who have left the locker-room and someone needs to step up. I think I can be one of those guys, and lead by example and offer encouragement."

Gore wants to show his teammates the amount of work that is necessary to "really compete" after BC finished 13-5 in the regular season but dropped the West Division final to the Calgary Stampeders.