The B.C. Lions are bringing back another top Canadian to bolster their push for a Grey Cup.
Defensive lineman Mathieu Betts is returning to the CFL for the remainder of the 2024 season, according to Justin Dunk of 3DownNation.
Betts left the Lions in the off-season to sign with the Detroit Lions in the NFL to a deal worth $795,000, but it did not include any guaranteed money should he be cut during training camp.
Last season, Betts recorded 18 sacks, setting a single-season record for Canadians and was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player for 2023.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t grab a spot on the Lions’ NFL roster as he was among the final cuts. The coaching staff had him take reps at defensive end and as a strong-side linebacker.
This was Betts’ second attempt to make an NFL roster after signing with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2019. In that same year, the Edmonton Elks drafted Betts third overall, and he joined the Elks late in the season after he was among the final cuts from Bears camp.
The BC Lions made a significant move in the Canadian Football League (CFL) by signing Mathieu Betts, a highly-touted Canadian defensive lineman. Betts, who was originally drafted by the Edmonton Eskimos in 2019, returns to the CFL after a brief stint in the National Football League (NFL) with the Chicago Bears.
Betts, a native of Montreal, Quebec, is widely regarded as one of the top Canadian football prospects in recent years. During his collegiate career at Laval University, Betts was a dominant force on the defensive line, earning numerous accolades and awards for his outstanding play. His impressive performance at the CFL Combine in 2019 further solidified his status as a top prospect in the league.
After being selected by the Eskimos in the third round of the 2019 CFL Draft, Betts signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent. Despite showing promise during his time with the Bears, Betts ultimately did not make the final roster and was released by the team.
Now, Betts has the opportunity to showcase his talents once again in the CFL with the BC Lions. The Lions, who finished with a 5-13 record in the 2021 season, are looking to bolster their defense and believe that Betts can make an immediate impact on the team.
Betts’ return to the CFL is not only a significant move for the Lions but also for Canadian football as a whole. His success in the league could inspire other young Canadian players to pursue their dreams of playing professionally and help elevate the level of talent in the CFL.
As Betts prepares to join his new team and make his mark in the CFL once again, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see how he performs on the field. With his combination of skill, athleticism, and determination, Betts has the potential to become a standout player in the league and help lead the Lions to success in the upcoming season.