The B.C. Lions have released 10 players in accordance with the CFL’s cutdown deadline ahead of the 2023 regular season.
Those released include American receivers Bryson Daughtry, Canadian receiver Keiran Poissant, American offensive lineman Sidney Wells, Canadian offensive lineman Noah Zerr, American defensive linemen Miles Fox and Alex Tchangham, and American defensive backs Josh Flowers, Najee Reams, DQ Thomas, and Christian Uphoff.
The most notable name is Zerr, who was selected in the second round of the 2022 CFL Draft out of the University of Saskatchewan. The native of Langenburg, Sask. was a first-team U Sports All-Canadian in 2021 and was voted the Huskies’ top lineman that year.
The Lions also added nine players to the practice roster, including American running back Antonio Williams, Canadian fullback Dylan St. Pierre, American receiver Ayden Eberhardt, Global receiver Jevoni Robinson, Canadian offensive lineman Tyler Packer, American defensive lineman Marcus Moore, American linebacker Brooks Parker, Canadian linebacker Jack Hinsperger, and American defensive back Xavior Williams.
B.C. also signed two new players to the practice roster, including American quarterback Chase Brice and American receiver Josh Pearson.
Brice started his career as the backup to Trevor Lawrence at Clemson. He dressed for 25 games and completed 60.3 percent of his passes for 1,023 yards, nine touchdowns, and four interceptions along with four rushing touchdowns. He was also a member of the Tigers’ National Championship squad in 2018.
After transferring to Duke for 2020, the native of Grayson, Ga. threw for 2,170 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. He transferred to Appalachian State for his final two years of collegiate eligibility in 2021 and 2022 and threw for 6,258 yards, 54 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. He was named Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year in 2021 as well as third-team All-Sun Belt.
Brice also earned mini-camp invitations from the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders after going unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Pearson has returned to the Lions after suffering a major knee injury last season. The Jacksonville State product hauled in two receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown in two regular season appearances with B.C. last season.
The six-foot-four, 205-pound target was a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2020 to 2021 and earned a Super Bowl ring in his first season with the team.
