The B.C. Lions have released eight players, including Canadian defensive back Jordan Hoover and former NFL receiver Hakeem Butler.
The Lions signed Hoover on Saturday after the 29-year-old was released by the Edmonton Elks on May 15.
Hoover played in 66 games over four seasons with the Elks, who selected him with the 31st overall pick in the fourth round of the 2017 CFL Draft. Hoover recorded 111 defensive tackles, 23 special teams tackles and three interceptions during his time in Edmonton.
Hoover failed his physical with the Lions, according to TSN’s Farhan Lalji.
Butler was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft after a productive collegiate career at Iowa State University.
The Baltimore, Maryland native played 37 games over three seasons with the Cyclones, catching 110 passes for 2,149 yards and 18 touchdowns. Butler earned second-team All-American honours from The Athletic and College Football News in 2018.
His NFL career never got off the ground after suffering a season-ending hand injury during training camp his rookie year with the Cardinals. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020, playing in two games for the franchise, before attending training camp with the Carolina Panthers in 2021.
Butler signed with B.C. back in February.
The Lions also released Canadian running back Jamel Lyles as well as American receiver Shelton Gibson, American defensive lineman Kevin Thurmon, and American defensive backs Mallory Claybourne, Austin Joyner and Howard Wilson.
