The B.C. Lions have signed Canadian defensive back Josh Hagerty to a two-year contract extension, tying him to the team through 2027. He was a pending free agent.
The six-foot-three, 196-pound defender played 10 regular-season games with the Lions in 2025 following his release from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, recording five special teams tackles. He also dressed for the team’s West Semi-Final win over the Calgary Stampeders and West Final loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
“Josh came to us around midseason last year and immediately displayed the intelligence and grit we’re looking for on special teams,” said B.C. Lions general manager Ryan Rigmaiden in a statement. “He’s got a bright future ahead of himself, and we’re happy to have him with us.”
The 27-year-old native of Regina, Sask. was originally sixth-round pick in the 2021 CFL Draft out of the University of Saskatchewan. He has since recorded 23 defensive tackles, 31 special teams tackles, and one forced fumble over 56 regular-season games with the Toronto Argonauts, Edmonton Elks, and Lions.
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.
