The BC Lions have released running back William Stanback so he can “pursue other opportunities.”
The former Montreal Alouettes, who won the Gray Cup with the team in 2023, was on track to become a free agent on February 11, at the age of 30.
Stanback had three rushing touchdowns and 1,175 yards in 18 games in his first season with the Lions. It was the third time he crossed the 1,000 yard mark. He added two touchdowns through the air.
The 6-foot, 233-pound athlete was named Eastern MVP twice during his five-season stint in Montreal, in addition to being named to the CFL All-Star team twice. He collected 11 touchdowns in 62 regular games with the Als.
The news comes shortly after the Lions signed forward James Butler, who was released by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats earlier today.
In 11 regular season games last year, he racked up 522 yards rushing with two touchdowns, while adding 45 catches for gains of 372 yards and a touchdown. Rookie Greg Bell, on the other hand, has established himself as a starter for the Ticats.
In his first season in Hamilton in 2023, Butler rushed for 1,116 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 games. He also added a passing touchdown on 61 catches and 527 yards. In both spheres, these were personal highs.
“JB’s history in this league speaks for itself,” Lions general manager Ryan Rigmaiden said. “His pass protection and ability to catch balls in the deep zone make him a great addition to Buck Pierce and our offense. »
Riders find common ground with Maier
Veteran quarterback Jake Maier has agreed to a one-year contract with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The Riders acquired Maier’s trading rights from the Calgary Stampeders in exchange for an eighth-round pick in the 2025 draft on Dec. 23.
Maier took over as Calgary’s starter midway through the 2022 season, but her services were not retained by the team in 2024, as she traded with the Lions for Vernon Adams.
Calgary missed the playoffs for the first time since 2004 after finishing last in the West with a 5-12-1 record last season.
Maier played all four seasons in the CFL with the Stamps; he had 60 touchdowns and 11,685 passing yards against 39 interceptions.
