B.C. Lions extend ‘Sask Army Knife’ Riley Pickett

The B.C. Lions have signed Canadian role player Riley Pickett to a one-year extension that will keep him with the team through 2025.

The native of Saskatoon, Sask. was originally selected by the Lions in the fifth round of the 2022 CFL Draft as a defensive lineman but converted to long-snapper in his second season after teaching himself the position. In 2024, he split snapping duties with NFL veteran Kyle Nelson, handling all field goals, while serving as a core special teamer and playing fullback on offence.

“Riley has continued to develop since we called his name on draft night in 2022.  We’re calling him the ‘Sask Army Knife’ as he’s done everything, from defensive line to long snapping, and also been a great cover guy on special teams,” general manager Ryan Rigmaiden said in a statement.

“His toughness and character are exactly what we’re looking for in our players, and we expect him to continue to grow.”

In 38 games with B.C., Pickett has recorded two defensive tackles and 20 special teams tackles. The six-foot-three, 250-pounder also caught his first-ever pass last season, taking it for an eight-yard gain.

Collegiately, Pickett played 30 games for the University of Saskatchewan and recorded 108 total tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, 14 sacks, six pass knockdowns, two forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries. He helped the Huskies capture the 2018 Hardy Cup and made an appearance in the 2021 Vanier Cup, earning a Canada West all-star selection that year.