The B.C. Lions announced Friday they have released star linebacker Adam Bighill so that he can pursue NFL opportunities. Bighill (44) chases Edmonton Eskimos' Shakir Bell (33) during first half CFL action in Edmonton in a September 23, 2016, file photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson.
December 09, 2016 - 11:54 AM
SURREY, B.C. - The B.C. Lions announced Friday they have released star linebacker Adam Bighill so that he can pursue NFL opportunities.
The CFL team says the move is part of a contractual agreement with Bighill, and that if he is not signed to a deal south of the border by Jan. 27 he will be back with to B.C. next season.
"I am grateful for the club's understanding that as a professional football player, father and husband, I want to maximize my career potential," Bighill said in a statement released by the Lions. "I want to make it very clear to our incredible fans that I love being a B.C. Lion and if nothing comes to fruition in the NFL, I will be ecstatic to return to the club."
Bighill finished third in the CFL in 2016 with 108 defensive tackles to go along with five sacks and one interception.
The 28-year-old from Montesano, Wash., was also named a CFL all-star for the fourth time, and a West Division all-star for the fifth straight season.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2016