B.C. Lions

Lions re-sign physical running back Brandon Rutley

by
3Down Staff
December 4, 2019

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

The B.C. Lions have signed American running back Brandon Rutley to a contract extension through the 2020 season.

Rutley was eligible to become a free agent in February.

“Brandon’s powerful running style created a unique one-two punch for our offence last year,” general manager Ed Hervey said in a statement. “His ability to run the ball, catch it out of the backfield and contribute on special teams makes this a key signing for next season.”

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An effective complementary running back to teammate John White and bouncing back from a season-ending knee injury in 2018, Brandon appeared in 11 games for the Lions in 2019 tallying 61 carries for 341 rushing yards including a 111-yard effort versus Ottawa in September.

Rutley notched nine receptions for 76 yards and chipped in on special teams with his first kickoff return for a touchdown (108 yards) which came against Winnipeg in the season opener. He finished the year with 22 kickoff returns for 533 yards as well as 21 punt returns for 154 yards. His 1,130 combined yards on the year were fourth among all Lions.

The 30-year-old runner has played in 47 CFL games amassing 1,695 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 326 carries. He’s added 85 receptions for 449 yards and five touchdowns through the air.