MONTREAL — The B.C. Lions traded the rights to quarterback prospect Vernon Adams to the Montreal Alouettes for a 2017 first round draft pick, the CFL clubs announced Friday.
Adams, 23, was a standout at the University of Oregon last season, but was overlooked in the NFL draft, possibly because he was considered undersized for a quarterback at five-foot-11. He recently took part in unsuccessful try-outs with the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington Redskins.
"Both sides negotiated in good faith, but in the end it became clear that we weren’t going to be able to meet Vernon’s expectations as they relate to length of contract and remuneration," B.C. general manager Wally Buono said in a release. "We’ve got very good depth at the quarterback position so being able to turn this asset into a first-round pick in next year’s CFL Draft is a win for the Lions."
"Can’t wait to get to Montreal Alouettes. Thank you God." Adams tweeted.
He is expected to arrive in Montreal in the next few days.
Adams, a native of Pasadena, Calif., completed 168 of 259 passes for 2,643 yards and 26 touchdowns in 10 starts for Oregon last season, with only six interceptions.
In Washington last week, Adams said he may end up in the CFL, where overlooked Americans like Warren Moon and Doug Flutie starred and eventually signed with NFL teams.
"No, sir, I wasn’t surprised that I wasn’t drafted," said Adams. "I know everybody talks about how short I am and everything like that, so I wasn’t surprised at all.
"If anything, it’s all gonna work out. It’s in God’s hands. Wherever I’m going to be — CFL, NFL — that’s where I’m gonna be."
The Lions expect to have Jonathan Jennings start at quarterback this season with veteran Travis Lulay as backup.
Montreal has much-travelled Kevin Glenn as its likely starter, with a handful of unproven pivots in reserve.
