It appears the B.C. Lions have no intention of saying goodbye to Vernon Adams Jr. despite signing fellow quarterback Nathan Rourke to a three-year contract on Tuesday.
“For this (signing of Rourke) to happen, it also had to include Vernon Adams Jr. being here,” said head coach and co-general manager Rick Campbell in a statement. “Vernon will not be traded and is too good a player, too valuable a leader, and a huge part of our team.”
Adams Jr. suffered a knee injury during B.C.’s recent loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and didn’t suit up for last week’s loss to the Edmonton Elks. It remains unclear when he will return to the lineup as the club previously classified the injury as “week-to-week.”
The 31-year-old has gone 5-3 as the team’s starter this season, throwing for 2,469 yards, 14 touchdowns, and six interceptions and rushing for 167 yards and two touchdowns. He was the CFL’s leading passer last season, throwing for 4,769 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions.
Adams Jr. was acquired by the Lions via trade from the Montreal Alouettes midway through the 2022 season following a foot injury to Nathan Rourke, who returned for the playoffs. He is under contract with the Lions through 2026 after signing an extension in February.
Campbell will speak to the media from Lions practice at 2:00 p.m. EDT.
