The B.C. Lions have signed American offensive lineman Chris Schleuger to a two-year contract extension that will keep him in Vancouver through 2027. He was previously eligible to become a free agent on February 10.
The six-foot-four, 305-pound blocker started 14 regular-season games and two playoff contests at right tackle last season, helping the Lions’ offence lead the CFL in net yards and setting a new league record of 8.04 yards per play in 2025.
“Whether at guard or tackle, ‘Slug’ has performed well since he arrived in 2023,” general manager Ryan Rigmaiden said in a team-issued statement.
“His versatility, grit and toughness give offensive line coach Paul Charbonneau another reliable option no matter where he plays.”
Schleuger was originally signed by the Lions ahead of the 2023 campaign and made ten starts over the next two seasons, seeing action at both guard and tackle. He previously dressed for 20 games with the Montreal Alouettes from 2019 to 2022.
The Iowa native had stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and in the Alliance of American Football with the Birmingham Iron prior to signing in the CFL. He ended his collegiate career at the University of Alabama-Birmingham after stops at Iowa Western Community College and Northern Iowa.
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.
