The B.C. Lions have signed Canadian linebacker Ben Hladik to a two-year extension through 2025. He was eligible to become a free agent next week.
The six-foot-three, 235-pound defender made 100 defensive tackles, two special teams tackles, five sacks, and one interception over 18 regular season games with the Lions this past season, starting them all at middle linebacker.
The 24-year-old was a third-round pick in the 2021 CFL Draft out of UBC and has since dressed for 50 career games, recording 161 defensive tackles, 14 special teams tackles, seven sacks, three interceptions, and one forced fumble.
The native of Vernon, B.C. was 3DownNation’s second-ranked pending free agent linebacker.
Hladik suited up for 28 collegiate games with the UBC Thunderbirds and made 189 total tackles, 28 tackles for loss, seven sacks, six pass knockdowns, and one interception. He was a two-time U Sports All-Canadian and one-time Canada West Defensive Player of the Year.
The Lions will open their 2024 regular season on Sunday, June 9 when they visit the Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field.
