B.C. Lions' Mathieu Betts, right, and Hayden Harris celebrate after Betts sacked Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly, not seen, during the first half of a CFL football game, in Vancouver, on Saturday, July 25, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Defensive lineman Betts signs one-year extension with B.C. Lions to avoid free agency
Sep 11, 2026 | 9:48 AM
-
Share on Facebook
-
Share on Bluesky
-
Share on X
- Copy Link
VANCOUVER — Two-time CFL most outstanding defensive player Mathieu Betts has signed a one-year contract extension with the B.C. Lions, keeping the star defensive lineman from hitting free agency.
The 31-year-old Montreal native was selected in the first round (third overall) of the 2019 CFL draft by the Edmonton Elks. He spent two seasons with Edmonton before joining the Lions as a free agent ahead of the 2022 season.
In 2023, Betts recorded a franchise-record 18 sacks to go with 44 defensive tackles, three tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles.
The defensive lineman capped the season by earning his first CFL most outstanding defensive player award and parlayed that success into a contract with the NFL’s Detroit Lions.
