Lions sign former Riders punter Josh Bartel

The B.C. Lions have signed punter Josh Bartel.

Bartel played his last four seasons for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The Riders released Bartel on May 13 in order to make room for Jon Ryan.

Overall, Bartel’s suited up in 103 career CFL games punting 707 times for 30,677 yards 43.4 per punt average. The 34-year-old was traded to the Riders after spending the first two seasons in Canada with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Twice Bartel was named an East all-star.

Sergio Castillo had been handling kick-off, field goal and punting duties, but by signing Bartel the Lions could be looking to improve their directional punting and allow Castillo to focus on making three-pointers.