BC Lions Thread

[OV Argo]

BC/Wally have signed former Argo kicker Swayze Waters; to make up for the loss of last year's kicker Rich Leone who got an NFL shot (as a punter).

Wonder if Wally makes the same blunder as last year and hands both kicking jobs to Waters? Waters did have the one outstanding CFL season where he was excellent at both kicking jobs, but otherwise has struggled as a place-kicker. I bet Wally is dumb enough to give both jobs to Waters though - we shall see.

[Will]

BC LIONS

PLAYER	POS	NAT/INT	STATUS
Allen, Anthony	RB	International
Bazzie, Alex	DL	International	Released (01/09/17)
Benson, Mike	LS	National	Extended (12/19/16)
Brooks, Mic’hael	DL	International
Burnham, Bryan	WR	International
Clarke, Steven	DB	International	Extended (01/31/17)
Elimimian, Solomon	LB	International	Extended (12/21/16)
Gaitor, Anthony	DB	International	Released (01/09/17)
Iannuzzi, Marco	WR	National
Johnson, Jeremiah	RB	International	Extended (12/16/16)
Kankolongo, Nehemie	LB	National	Extended (12/19/16)
Lee, TJ	DB	International
Leone, Richie	K	International	Released (01/03/17) (NFL)
Lokombo, Bo	LB	National	Released (01/30/17) (NFL)
Lumbala, Rolly	FB	National	Extended (01/05/17)
McCallum, Paul	K	National
Moore, Nick	WR	International
O’Neill, Tim	OL	National
Parker, Keynan	S	National	Extended (01/04/17)
Sinkfield Jr., Terrell	WR	International
Steward, Hunter	OL	National
Turner, Bryant	DE	International	Extended (02/06/17)
Westerman, Jabar	DL	National
Yell, Ronnie	DB	International

[jerrym]

The Lions have extended International DB Steven Clarke through 2018.

“Steven is a gifted defensive back who gives us valuable experience and stability in the secondary heading into 2017,” said GM and head coach Wally Buono.
Originally coming to the Leos during the CFL’s annual practice roster expansion period in 2014, the Vanderbilt University grad he made his BC debut in October that year. Following a 16-game, 48-defensive tackle season in 2015, he was granted early free agent status by the Lions to pursue an NFL opportunity with the Tennessee Titans.
Steven returned to BC just prior to training camp last year and made his 2016 debut in Week 5. He recorded 13 tackles, two knockdowns and a fumble recovery before suffering a season-ending injury in Calgary last August.

http://www.bclions.com/2017/01/31/li...steven-clarke/

[jerrym]

The Lions have resigned PR receiver Deon Long who had become a free agent at the end of the season for 2017 and added rookie receiver David Richards.

Long had previously spent time with the Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles before making his way to the Leos.

Richards (6’2”, 215) enjoyed a notable collegiate career at Arizona where he appeared in 48 games for the Wildcats over four seasons recording 110 receptions for 1,205 yards and 11 majors. The California resident spent time with the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns before attending training camp with the Los Angeles Rams in 2016.

http://www.bclions.com/2017/02/01/bc...avid-richards/

[jerrym]

The Lions released Bo Lokombo, who has signed with the Baltimore Ravens.

The BC Lions have granted early free agent status to linebacker Bo Lokombo, the team announced Monday, enabling him to pursue an NFL opportunity.
According to TSN‘s Farhan Lalji, Lokombo has since signed with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens:

http://www.cfl.ca/2017/01/30/lions-g...early-release/

[jerrym]

Receiver Nick Moore has signed a 2017 contract with the Lions.

“Nick is a gifted receiver who gives our offence valuable depth and experience,” said GM and head coach Wally Buono. “He’s on track to be at full speed for training camp and we look forward to his return.”
Following a three-year stint with the Lions from 2011 to 2013, Moore rejoined the club for the 2016 season after two years in Winnipeg and was enjoying a great start to the year tallying 15 receptions for 205 yards through the first three games of the year before being sidelined with a knee injury.
“I’m very excited to be back with the Lions for 2017,” said Moore from his offseason home in Florida. “After seeing Jonathon and the guys develop into a very dynamic group last year, I’m more motivated than ever to help bring a Grey Cup back to BC.”

http://www.bclions.com/2017/02/09/ni...2017-contract/

[jerrym]

Eleven year veteran National OL Tim O'Neill, who played with Calgary and Hamilton, has decided to retire after one year with the Lions.

“Tim was a valuable addition for us last season and we appreciate the leadership he brought to the club,” said GM and head coach Wally Buono. “He’s a former Grey Cup champion who enjoyed a very productive career and we wish him the best.”
Seeing time at both the right and left guard positions as well as center during his career, the University of Calgary product did not miss a single game over the past eight seasons.
“I’m tremendously grateful for my time in the CFL,” said O’Neill from his home on Vancouver Island. “I loved every moment I had as a pro and I feel fortunate to have enjoyed the friendships I made along the way.”

http://www.bclions.com/2017/02/10/ti...-calls-career/

[jerrym]

After 12 years and 47 interceptions, 5 Western and 4 National All-Star selections with the Lions, Wally has released one of the best Lions of the last decade, International DB Ryan Phillips. However, Buono is not the winningest coach in CFL history for nothing. His record in releasing players before their best before date arrives speaks for itself.

“After a number of conversations with Ryan this off-season regarding his role in our defence, we have mutually decided at this time that the best path for both parties is to grant him free agent status,” said GM and head coach Wally Buono.
“I have tremendous respect for Ryan and everything he has contributed to our organization during the past 12 years. Decisions like this are never easy and are made after careful consideration. Our organization is extremely grateful for his service to the club both on and off the field and we wish him the very best.”

http://www.bclions.com/2017/02/10/li...ryan-phillips/

[jerrym]

#BCLions have signed CB Buddy Jackson to a 1-year deal. Played with #Riders for a spell last season. #CFL via @FarhanLaljiTSN

— CFL News (@CFL_News) February 11, 2017

[jerrym]

BC has extended Bryan Burnham through 2018.

The 2016 Canadian Football League West Division All-Star has agree to terms with the BC Lions.
A product of Tulsa, Burnham has spent the past three seasons with the Lions.
The team had been hopeful of retaining Burnham, but there was significant National Football League interest in the Moorestown, New Jersey native.
“I’m not too sure what’s out there for Bryan now,” Lions head coach and general manager Wally Buono told the Vancouver Province earlier this month. “He’s had 10 to 12 workouts. I’m not sure one more is going to make a difference. We’ve expressed interest that we’d like to sit down and negotiate a contract. Now, he has to make up his mind."

http://www.tsn.ca/lions-re-sign-wr-b...-deal-1.669169

[jerrym]

Free agent Byrant Turner Jr. has resigned with the Lions.

Signed by B.C. two weeks after his release by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers last March, Turner was added as a depth player and steadying influence (he turned 29 on Nov. 25, making him the elder D-man on B.C.’s line).
Because of injury and ratio considerations, the former CFL all-star (2012) dressed for just more than half the season in 2016 — 10 games. Yet, Turner played so well down the stretch last year Lions head coach Wally Buono was reluctant to take him out.
“As the season moved along, he played better, better and better,” Buono said Monday. “He changed, he adapted, he learned. We hope he’ll compete for a starting job (in training camp). Where it falls, it falls.”
With the future status of two more Lions free agents — defensive linemen Mic’hael Brooks and Jabar Westerman — unresolved, Buono at least knows where he stands with Turner.

http://vancouversun.com/sports/footb...onger-for-sale

[jerrym]

BC have resigned their 2013 first round selection (6th overall) OL Hunter Steward who played in all 18 games and helped the team lead the league in rushing in 2016.

“Hunter is a young and talented offensive lineman who continues to improve each year,” said GM and head coach Wally Buono. “Success on offence begins with the ability to run the ball and protect the quarterback and Hunter plays a significant role in that success.” ...
“It’s great to be back for this year,” said Steward. “We have established a lot of chemistry on offence and the opportunity to pick up where we left off last season is going to be a big positive.”

http://www.bclions.com/2017/02/08/li...unter-steward/

[jerrym]

Ryan Phillips is 'fuming' over the way he was released by Buono, according to the Vancouver Sun. He isn't the first one to have this happen to him. Other long-time Lions such as Geroy Simon, Dante Marsh, Korey Banks etc., and before that Stampeders, such as Allen Pitts, all left town with a bitter taste in their mouth during the downside of their career. However, knowing when to let a player go has also been one of the reasons behind Buono's success.

Ryan Phillips would always tell his younger B.C. Lions teammates that if Geroy Simon was expendable, they all were. Simon, the CFL's all-time leading receiver, couldn't agree on contract extension with B.C. before the 2013 season. So after 12 years on the West Coast, Simon was dealt to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Phillips knew his day would also eventually come. But the 34-year-old didn't expect his tenure in B.C to end this way. On Friday, the Lions announced they and the veteran defensive back had "mutually decided" to part ways, cutting Phillips loose after 12 seasons and just four days before the start of CFL free agency. The Seattle native said in a telephone interview with The Canadian Press the term "mutual" was technically true. However, what the Lions offered in terms of a contract and potential playing time were a slap in the face.
"The starting point was nowhere near worth the value of someone of my calibre," said Phillips, who joined B.C. in 2005. "The pay cut was outrageous. It's one thing to restructure and it's another thing to pay cut all the way. You don't ask a 12-year vet with my resume to go back to making third-year type money. That's just kind of insulting, let alone the role of being behind some guys that haven't done anything. If you want to say 'mutual' I guess so in that sense ... it's mutual I wasn't going to settle for something like that. They weren't going to budge, they weren't going to give me a legitimate shot to compete."
Lions head coach/GM Wally Buono didn't fault Phillips for his reaction. But Buono reiterated it's his job to make tough decisions to try to improve his team."We wanted Ryan to be a part of our football club," said Buono. "We wanted him to be a part of our locker-room. "We wanted him to be a part of our team going forward. The role then had to change. Unfortunately we couldn't agree."
Phillips played 212 regular-season games with the Lions, helping them win the Grey Cup in 2006 and 2011. He leaves B.C. with 47 interceptions and six touchdowns to go along with 478 tackles.
"You feel like you put your blood, sweat and tears into something ... it's hard not to take it somewhat personal," said Phillips. "I could have easily gone: 'You know what? My heart is in B.C. ... I'll just settle for whatever.'

http://thechronicleherald.ca/sports/...ntract-impasse

[jerrym]

In the video below, Buono discusses the departure of Ryan Phillips.

http://www.bclions.com/2017/02/10/wa...ryan-phillips/

[jerrym]

Director of Football Operations and Player Personnel Neil McEvoy discusses the Lions free agency as of yesterday from starting with 23 free agents to already having signed 11 and hoping to end with 7 or 8 free agents.

"There's 👍 & 👎 things about free agency."@NCMCEVOY discuss' the events leading up to free agency on Tuesday.

WATCH 👇👇 pic.twitter.com/LuxTsTuBYj

— BC Lions (@BCLions) February 11, 2017

[jerrym]

Lowell Ulrich argues that the Lions are already a winner in the free agent game.

the B.C. Lions nonetheless believe they are already ahead in the game known as off-season free agency even before it gets underway Tuesday. ...
Coach/GM Wally Buono will need at least three defensive starters to emerge from training camp, including a replacement for the loss of linebacker Adam Bighill, whose exit to the NFL’s New Orleans Saints could be defined as self-inflicted.
A kicker with CFL experience, Swayze Waters, has been acquired to replace NFL-bound punter Richie Leone, but the Lions have also determined they don’t want the same two-import backfield they had last season, choosing not to pursue Anthony Allen. They must also hope for a Canadian to emerge because of another exit by prized backup, Bo Lokombo, who was going to be Bighill’s replacement when he too left.
Buono sees the exodus, however, as a means to show his U.S. scouting staff is functioning, with the losses a sign to street import free agents that his team can be a potential NFL path. “It means we’re finding the right people,” he wrote in an email before starting his free agent expedition this year.
And the even better news is that the legendary Lions leader sees free agency far differently than he did prior to last season, when he all but flatly refused to overspend for three-down talent and adjusted to become a player in a bloated player market.
B.C. last year bought four starters, already signing two of them, DL Bryant Turner and RB Jeremiah Johnson, to new deals this winter, not to mention sewing up the potential prize on the free agent market, LB Solomon Elimimian.
They’d be hard-pressed to have enough starters in the defensive secondary, going down to the free agent wire with injured unsigned veterans Ronnie Yell and T.J. Lee, though at this writing the Lions could choose from no fewer than 36 other potential free agents. Alex Bazzie has already left the defensive front four and appear as if Jabar Westerman and Mich’ael Brooks will follow. The Lions also said goodbye to 12-year veteran Ryan Phillips, although that was foreshadowed some time ago. Just another opportunity for the Lions. ...
LIONS SCORECARD
Additions: K-P Swayze Waters, ST Dylan Ainsworth
Losses: LBs Adam Bighill (Saints), Bo Lokombo (Ravens), DB Anthony Gaitor (Saints), DL Alex Bazzie (Colts), K Richie Leone (Cardinals), DB Ryan Phillips
Holds: KR Chris Rainey, LS Mike Benson, DB Steven Clarke, LB Solomon Elimimian, RB Jeremiah Johnson, ST Nehemiah Kankolongo, FB Rolly Lumbala, DB Keynan Parker, DT Bryant Turner, SB Nick Moore, OL Hunter Steward.
Potentially on the market: RB Anthony Allen, DL Mich’ael Brooks, WR Bryan Burnham, WR Marco Iannuzzi, DB T.J. Lee, WR Terrell Sinkfield, DT Jabar Westerman, CB Ronnie Yell.

http://3downnation.com/2017/02/10/b-...-losing-chips/

[jerrym]

The Lions have annouced two signings. International DB DJ Lee has resigned, while Canadian DL Dylan Ainsworth has switched from the Riders to his hometown.

“TJ is a young and talented defensive back who has developed into a very versatile and important part of our defensive secondary,” said GM and head coach Wally Buono.
The Seattle native entered the 2016 season as one of the club’s most talented defensive halfbacks and through the first three games of the year had tallied 15 defensive stops, four knockdowns and a sack. In Week 4 however, Lee’s season came to an end after sustaining an Achilles injury in Regina.“I’m at 100% and ready to go right now,” said Lee from his home in Bellingham. “I’m thrilled to be back with the Lions knowing how good we’re going to be as a team this year.”
Through three seasons with the team, Lee has logged 29 appearances with 117 defensive tackles, five interceptions and four sacks.
The Lions also announced that national defensive lineman Dylan Ainsworth has been signed by the club. The Delta, BC native had been a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders for the past three seasons.

http://www.bclions.com/2017/02/10/li...add-ainsworth/

[jerrym]

BC has resigned Michael Brooks to a two year deal and are working on wrapping up deals with International DB Ronnie Yell and National WR Marco Iannuzzi.

#BCLions still working on Ianuzzi & Yell. Optimistic on both, neither done yet. #CFLFA @CFLonTSN

— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 14, 2017

[jerrym]

Marco Inannuzzi has extended with the Lions for two years.

“Marco is an important and underrated part of our offence who we can count on to give us consistent performances,” said GM and head coach Wally Buono. “His ability to contribute on offence and on special teams makes this signing a very important one for the club.”
Originally joining the Lions as the club’s first-round selection (sixth overall) in the 2010 CFL Draft, the Calgary native enters his eighth season with the Leos and comes off a 2016 season which included career-highs in receiving yards (360), punt returns (22) and punt return yards (232).
The veteran receiver now sits two games shy of 100 for his career and has racked-up 107 receptions for 1,237 yards and eight touchdowns. A tireless contributor in the community, Marco earned the CFL’s Tom Pate Award last season

http://www.bclions.com/2017/02/14/le...iannuzzi-2018/

[jerrym]

Bomber International LB Tony Burnett has signed with the Lions.

Can confirm LB Tony Burnett has signed with #BCLions. One year deal in neighbourhood of $90k. #Riders, #Bombers made offers. Others inquired

— Darrin Bauming (@DarrinBauming) February 14, 2017