VANCOUVER — The B.C. Lions and Nathan Rourke finalized an agreement to restructure the quarterback’s contract, the team announced on Friday.
Rourke remains signed by the Lions through 2026 after rejoining the squad on a three-year deal upon his return from the NFL on Aug. 13.
The quarterback from Victoria was the CFL's top Canadian in 2022, when he threw for 25 touchdown passes and 3,349 yards in just 10 regular-season games.
But he struggled when he returned to B.C. midway through last season after trying unsuccessfully to land a job in the NFL. He posted a 3-5 record as a starter and had more than twice as many interceptions (nine) as touchdowns (four).
B.C. switched to Vernon Adams Jr. for its season finale and its 28-19 loss to Saskatchewan in the West Division semifinal.
Adams was dealt to Calgary after the season.
“Nathan’s restructured deal allows us to continue to build our roster for success this year and beyond,” Lions general manager Ryan Rigmaiden said in a release.
“We’re excited to have him leading our offence and feel he’ll continue to ascend to the level we’ve seen him perform.”
Also Friday, the Lions signed American offensive lineman Chris Schleuger to a contract extension.
Schleuger made nine starts — six at left guard, three at left tackle — for the Lions in 2024.
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Argos re-sign star returner Janarion Grant
TORONTO — The Toronto Argonauts have re-signed outstanding special teams player Janarion Grant, the CFL team announced Friday.
Grant led the league with 989 yards, a 14.8-yard average and three touchdowns on punt returns in 2024, his first season with the Argonauts.
He also finished fourth with 1,000 kick return yards, including a 103-yard touchdown return.
Grant was named a CFL all-star for the second time in 2024 and earned his third Grey Cup ring when Toronto defeated Winnipeg 41-24 in the championship game in November.
The 31-year-old from Trilby, Fla., spent four seasons in Winnipeg before joining the Argos and helped the Bombers win Grey Cup titles in 2019 and 2021.
He has 10 punt return touchdowns and two kick return touchdowns in 57 career regular season games with Winnipeg and Toronto.
"Last year Janarion put the special in special teams," Argos general manager Mike (Pinball) Clemons said in a release. "He's not just effective, but exhilarating, increasing the blood flow in your veins. He is sure to lift Argo fans out of their seats once again, bringing a phenomenal five return touchdowns into this season."
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Redblacks confirm coaching staff
OTTAWA — The Redblacks have confirmed their 2025 coaching lineup, with some major changes to Bob Dyce's staff.
Along with bringing back Rick Campbell, the former head coach now serving as special-teams co-ordinator, the Redblacks are also adding William Fields as defensive co-ordinator. Fields comes from the Grey Cup champion Argonauts, where he was the co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach last season
Returning coaches include offensive co-ordinator Tommy Condell, who helped the Redblacks finish second in passing yards (5,455) in 2024.
Other members of Dyce's staff include assistant head coach and linebackers coach Deion Melvin, running backs coach Nate Taylor, offensive line coach Mike Gibson, defensive line coach Kai Ellis, defensive backs coach Myron Lewis and coaching assistant Isaiah Johns.
Dyce, who is entering his third season as Ottawa's head coach, helped the Redblacks make the playoffs for the first time since 2018 last year.
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Roughriders bring back Onyeka
REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed Canadian defensive back Kosi Onyeka to a contract extension.
The 25-year-old has 25 special-teams tackles in 27 games over three seasons with Saskatchewan.
He had a career-high of 17 special teams tackles in 2023, including a four-tackle game in Week 11 against the B.C. Lions
Onyeka has also registered three career defensive tackles and one forced fumble.
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Ticats re-sign Canadian receiver Ternowski
HAMILTON — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have re-signed national receiver Tyler Ternowski.
Ternowski had six receptions for 67 yards and 12 special teams tackles in 16 games last season.
He has played 37 games over his four seasons with his hometown team, totalling 28 receptions for 346 yards and one touchdown with 21 special teams tackles.
Ternowski was selected by the Tiger-Cats in the third round, 27th overall, of the 2020 CFL draft after spending his collegiate career at the University of Waterloo.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 31, 2025.
The Canadian Press
