CFL all-star receiver Dominique Rhymes requests trade from B.C. Lions: report

Photo courtesy: Tiffany Luke/B.C. Lions

CFL all-star receiver Dominique Rhymes has requested a trade from the B.C. Lions due to a financial dispute with the team, according to a report from TSN’s Farhan Lalji.

“BC Lions Dominique Rhymes has asked for a trade. He was due to make 110k next season but the new market for top receivers has him wanting more. BC did offer him a raise but it wasn’t acceptable. His agent has permission to look at trade options with other teams.”

Rhymes had a breakout season for the Lions in 2022, catching a team-leading 85 passes for 1,401 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was one of three Lions’ receivers to cross the thousand-yard mark last season, being joined by Lucky Whitehead and Keon Hatcher. Both remain under contract with the club.

The 29-year-old originally signed with the Lions back before the cancelled 2020 CFL season. He was extended through 2021, playing in eight games due to an ankle injury. Rhymes caught 28 passes for 411 yards and a touchdown while playing a pivotal role late in the year, recording back-to-back 100-yard games to end the season.

Rhymes joined the Lions following 36 games over three seasons with the Ottawa Redblacks. He set his previous career-high in 2019, hauling in 65 catches for 1,056 yards and five touchdowns.

Prior to moving north, Rhymes played three seasons at Florida International University and caught 27 passes for 305 yards in 32 games. He transferred to Murray State University for his senior season.

The receiver market has taken a massive financial jump in the past two years, following Kenny Lawler’s $305,000 contract with the Edmonton Elks in 2022. Top pending free agents have set that as their benchmark moving forward.