The B.C. Lions have acquired quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. from the Montreal Alouettes in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2023 CFL Draft.
Adams Jr. started the season as the team’s starting quarterback but was placed on the six-game injured list with an elbow injury. The 29-year-old started two of the five games he has played this season throwing for 294 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions before Trevor Harris took over as the starter.
“Getting a player of Vernon’s calibre provides a big boost to our offence as we continue pushing for a return to the playoffs,” said Lions co-general manager/director of football operations Neil McEvoy.
Adams Jr. was originally on B.C.’s negotiation list before being dealt to Montreal in May 2016 for a first-round pick in the 2017 CFL Draft.
The move comes after the Lions lost star quarterback Nathan Rourke to a Lisfranc sprain in his right foot that required surgery. Rourke was putting up a banner season with 3,281 yards, 25 touchdowns while also rushing for 304 yards and seven touchdowns on 39 carries.
Michael O’Connor took over as the Lions starting quarterback with Rourke sidelined but left his first start with an apparent groin injury. O’Connor went 6-for-15 for 94 yards before leaving the game, with Antonio Pipkin taking over and going 9-for-17 in the air for 112 yards and a touchdown.
