The B.C. Lions have signed American quarterback Jake Dolegala.
The six-foot-seven, 242-pound passer started nine games for the Saskatchewan Roughriders this past season, completing 64.8 percent of his pass attempts for 2,641 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He went 2-7 as a starter after supplanting Mason Fine following a season-ending leg injury to Trevor Harris.
Dolegala signed with the Riders as a free agent ahead of the 2022 season. He saw limited action as a CFL rookie, completing 45.7 percent of his pass attempts for 154 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
The native of Hamburg, N.Y. signed with the Cincinnati Bengals after going unselected in the 2019 NFL Draft. He spent the entire season on their active roster and played in two preseason games, completing 37-of-54 pass attempts for 347 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also rushed three times for 12 yards.
Dolegala went on to spend time with the New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, and Miami Dolphins but never saw action during the regular season.
The 27-year-old attended Central Connecticut State University, where he played 44 games over four seasons. Over his time as a Blue Devil, he threw for 8,129 yards, 48 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions and rushed for 452 yards and 18 touchdowns.
The Lions will open their 2024 regular season on Sunday, June 9 when they visit the Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field.
