Lions Move Adams Jr. To Stampeders

Given the recent loss of the BC Lions who failed to advance to the 2024 Grey Cup which was hosted by the Lions, anyone you asked knew that changes would be made in the  off-season.

All considering that the Lions made a change with the coaching staff reliving Rick Campbell as the Lions Head Coach who was in his fifth full season with the Lions signing in 2019.

It should be known that he led the Lions to 2-consecutive 12 win campaign in 2022 and 2023 as well as two Western Finals also in 2022 and 2023.

This season saw the Lions finish with a 9 and 9 record and eventually were eliminated by Saskatchewan in the Western Final who were then eliminated by Winnipeg, who lost the Grey Cup to Toronto.

Well – it never took all that long knowing that Vernon Adams would be shown the door considering that they signed Nathan Rourke who resigned with the Lions August 13th when Vernon Adams Jr went down with an injury.

Speculation was that they would just ride out the injury to Adams, but that simply wasn’t the case with the Lions signing Rourke to a three-year deal worth 749,200 (CDN) in 2025 and 809,000 in 2026,

The contract is just below $600,000 (US) for 2025 and a tad over $600,000 for the 2026 season.

So given the contract many are pondering if the dollar value was indeed worth it, but we’ll know when the 2026 season kicks-off.

In light of the signing of Rourke and given the abrupt end of the season the Lions were on a first and ten looking to advance to the end zone capturing a win as well as winning back some of the Lions faithful who have been somewhat frustrated of late.

News out of the Lions den earlier this morning is that they have dealt Adams to the Stampeders that sees the Lions acquire Calgary’s 2025 round two selection (9^th overall), 2025 round four selection (29^th overall) and their round two selection in the 2026 CFL Draft. 

In addition Calgary also receives a 2025 fourth selection (32^nd overall) and round three selection in 2026.

 Lions Rigmaiden sent out a press release stating “On behalf of the entire organization, I thank Vernon for his outstanding work and professionalism on and off the field these past three years.”

He continued adding “As we continue to build this roster for next year and beyond, we’re excited for the opportunity to acquire more draft picks. Canadian draft picks are the lifeblood of a club’s championship aspirations.”

Thanks to Matt Baker, Senior Manager Communications and Content of the BC Lions for the press release!!