Lions Signings

Photo Credit BC Lions

With the BC Lions hosting this year’s Grey Cup they are looking at locking up several key components of the roster as well working on the upcoming extravaganza in Victoria.

The Lions inked Brantford’s offensive lineman David Knevel (29) (6’8” 325 lb) to a one-year extension prior to him becoming a free agent on February 13.

Injuries kept him sidelined throughout 2022 but never missed a game last season solidifying his position at left guard for the final six regular season games plus two in the playoffs.

He was selected in round three by the Lions (21^st overall) in the 2018 CFL Draft and dressing as a rookie in 16 games while taking reps. at both guard and tackle and also played in 17 regular season games over the next two seasons.

He played in 28 games with the Nebraska Cornhuskers (2014-17) taking over as a starter in his junior season and helping the program emerge as the Big Ten’s best pass-blocking unit that year.

The Lions recently signed the club Defensive Back Marcus Sayles (29) to a two-year extension where he was eligible to become a free agent February 13.

He is returning for a fourth season after managing 38 defensive tackles, three tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and seven pass breakups in 18 regular season games. 

In 2022 he recorded 68 defensive tackles and four interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown in a victory against Winnipeg on October 15 also managing an interception in the Western Final that saw him earn CFL and West Division All-Star selections.

The versatile defender joined the Lions as a free agent in 2021 and would go on to suit up at both halfback and SAM linebacker that season while racking up 52 defensive tackles, a pair of interceptions and a forced fumble in 13 contests.

Sayles began his CFL career with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 2018-19, earning a West All-Star nod in his first season and a championship ring to cap off 2019 after recording a game-high six defensive tackles in the 107^th Grey Cup win over Hamilton.

Before moving north, Sayles attended 2017 training camp with the Buffalo Bills and spent the remainder of that season on the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad after his release by Buffalo in September.

He Started in 46 games for the University of West Georgia from 2013-16 and set a school record for most career blocked kicks with 13. Also recorded 123 total tackles, 12 interceptions and 24 pass breakups.

Thanks to Matt Baker, Manager, Communications BC Lions for the info