B.C. Lions release pending CFL free-agent LB Josh Woods

Photo courtesy: Sarah Parker/B.C. Lions

The B.C. Lions have released American linebacker Josh Woods. He was scheduled to become a free agent in February.

The six-foot-two, 235-pound defender made 62 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, and one sack over 14 regular-season games in 2025, starting 10 games at weak-side linebacker.

The native of Ontario, Calif. made his Lions debut in 2021 following his collegiate career at UCLA, where he made 111 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, two pass knockdowns, and one interception over 31 games.

The 27-year-old played 55 regular-season games over five seasons with the team, making 152 defensive tackles, 25 special teams tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, and one touchdown.

Woods’ release has come three days after the Lions signed veteran linebacker Darnell Sankey. The 31-year-old was cut by the Montreal Alouettes last week after making 239 defensive tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, and five forced fumbles over 41 regular-season games with the team, winning a Grey Cup in 2023 and earning All-East Division selections in 2024 and 2025.

The B.C. Lions finished second in the West Division standings in 2025 with an 11-7 record and beat the Calgary Stampeders in the West Semi-Final before losing the West Final to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Nathan Rourke threw for 5,290 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions over 16 regular-season starts, posting an 11-5 record. He was also named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player.

The Lions ranked first in net offence, fourth in net defence, and sixth with a turnover differential of minus-four. James Butler rushed for 1,213 yards, Keon Hatcher led the CFL with 1,688 receiving yards, and Micah Awe led the league with 117 tackles. B.C. finished third in attendance with average crowds of 27,124, which was a 0.9 percent increase from the previous year.