Done deal:Lions sign a wonderful Canadian free agent

Done deal:Lions sign a Magnificent Contract Canadian with NFL 

 

Mathieu Betts, one of the CFL’s most sought-after free agents from Canada, is making a return to the NFL.

 

The Detroit Lions announced on Tuesday that they have signed Betts, the CFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year. The 28-year-old officially became a free agent in the CFL at noon ET on Tuesday.

 

This will be Betts’s second attempt to secure a spot in the NFL. He previously signed with the Chicago Bears in 2019 as an undrafted free agent after being drafted in the first round, third overall, by the Edmonton Elks in the CFL draft that same year. However, Betts returned to Canada after being released by Chicago.

Betts had an exceptional 2023 season with the B.C. Lions in the CFL, leading the league in sacks with 18, setting a new single-season record for Canadian players.

The former standout from Laval University participated in all 18 regular-season games for the B.C. Lions, recording 44 tackles, three forced fumbles, and a blocked kick.

 

The B.C. Lions tweeted their support for Mathieu Betts on Tuesday, expressing well wishes as he embarks on his journey with the Detroit Lions. They

praised his abilities, affirming, “Once a Lion, always a Lion. Wishing Mathieu Betts all the best with the Detroit Lions. You’re getting a good one.”

 

Betts, standing at six-foot-three and weighing 250 pounds, is making a confident move by signing with Detroit. As one of the top free agents in the CFL,

he could have commanded a salary exceeding $200,000 per year, especially after his impressive performance in the previous season.

 

If Betts is released by Detroit, he would return to the CFL after the ’24 season has commenced. As a free agent, he would have the freedom to choose which

Canadian team to sign with, although his contract would be pro-rated and less lucrative than what he would have earned this week.

 

Taking a calculated risk, Betts is joining a strong Lions team that reached the NFC Championship game before falling to the San Francisco 49ers in a close 34-31

defeat. Detroit’s defense features former first-round pick Aidan Hutchinson, who tallied 11.5 sacks in 2023. However, the Lions currently have only one pass

rusher under contract for the upcoming season, James Houston, who underwent ankle surgery requiring a plate and screws.

 

In his CFL career spanning 55 games, Betts has accumulated 81 tackles, 27 sacks, five forced fumbles, and four special teams tackles.

 

Betts enjoyed a decorated collegiate career, earning consecutive J.P. Metras Trophy honors (2017-18) as the top down lineman in Canadian university football. He also contributed to Laval University’s success, winning two Vanier Cups during his tenure.

 

This report by The Canadian Press was originally published on February 13, 2024.

 

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press

Get related article>>>https://kvibezsport.co.uk/?p=7100&preview=true