The B.C. Lions have signed veteran American defensive lineman Shawn Lemon, bringing him back for a third stint on the west coast.
The 34-year-old edge rusher originally came to Vancouver in July of 2018 after a trade with the Toronto Argonauts. He produced 16 defensive tackles and ten sacks in 13 regular-season games, helping revive the team’s pass rush.
Lemon rejoined the Argos in free agency that offseason but was traded to the Lions for a second time in August of 2019. He went on to lead the team with eight sacks, adding 19 defensive tackles and three forced fumbles in ten games.
“Shawn is an excellent addition to our football team,” Lions’ co-general manager and head coach Rick Campbell said in a team statement.
“Getting to the quarterback is a big key to playing good defence and that is Shawn’s specialty.”
Lemon has spent the past two seasons with the Calgary Stampeders and produced a career year in 2022. The 11-year veteran recorded a personal best 29 defensive tackles and 14 quarterback sacks to go along with five forced fumbles, earning a CFL All-Star selection and the West Division nomination for Most Outstanding Defensive Player.
The Akron product has appeared in 135 regular-season CFL contests with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Edmonton Elks, Ottawa Redblacks, Stampeders, Argonauts and Lions, winning two Grey Cups. He has registered 221 defensive tackles, 29 forced fumbles, one interception and 92 sacks in his career — trailing only Charleston Hughes amongst active players last season.
