B.C. Lions sign versatile Canadian Kevin Francis

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

The B.C. Lions have added a versatile Canadian to their defensive and special teams units with the signing of Kevin Francis.

The 28-year-old native of Toronto has suited up in 64 games over the past five seasons with 58 of those coming with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2016-18, 2021). A third-round supplemental draft pick of the Riders in 2016, Francis recorded career-highs in defensive (12) and special teams (15) tackles as a rookie.

The six-foot-five, 210-pounder signed with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2019 and dressed in seven games in his lone season in the nation’s capital. Francis then signed with the Lions as a free agent but would not suit up for the club due to the cancellation of the 2020 season.

Francis was a tight end during his four-year college career at North Carolina A&T, recording 17 receptions for 163 yards.