Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke earned a two-year contract extension with the B.C. Lions after producing a Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Canadian season in 2025.
The Victoria, B.C. native was the highest-paid player in the CFL last year, earning $624,200. Rourke completed 70.4 percent of his passes for 5,290 yards with 31 touchdowns, 16 interceptions and ran 61 times for 564 yards, 9.2 yards per carry, plus 10 majors. That provided a great return on investment for general manager Ryan Rigmaiden.
The 27-year-old’s compensation for the 2026 three-down league season was not altered when the new deal was agreed upon. He’s scheduled to earn $684,700 in hard money. That total comes from a $275,000 base salary, $210,000 February 5 active roster bonus, $160,000 in marketing money, $14,700 in housing and a $10,000 training allowance.
In 2027, Rourke’s slated to earn $699,700 in hard money. He could receive a $300,000 base salary, $215,000 February 1 active roster bonus, $160,000 in marketing money, $14,700 in housing and a $10,000 training allowance.
For the final year in his current agreement, the six-foot-one, 209-pound dual-threat QB is expected to earn $704,700 in hard money for the 2028 season. He should receive a $310,000 base salary, $220,000 February 1 active roster bonus, $150,000 in marketing money, $14,700 in housing and a $10,000 training allowance. Half his base salary — $155,000 — is guaranteed.
Each season includes $9,000 in additional all-star and award incentives: $1,000 for West all-star, $2,000 for CFL all-star, $3,000 for Most Outstanding Canadian and $3,000 for league MOP. The Lions would happily pay those bonuses if Rourke’s performing at elite levels for every year in the contract and putting B.C. in Grey Cup contention in the process.
Whether Rourke earns extra money, his contract has spiked compared to his CFL rookie paperwork, which saw him earn $71,500 in hard money along with $3,749.94 in playtime cash during the 2022 season. That year, he completed 78.7 percent of his passes for 3,349 yards with 25 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and ran 39 times for 304 yards with seven majors.
After one season learning behind Michael Reilly, Rourke proved he could play at a high level in the CFL, and it’s led to Grey Cup expectations on the West Coast with a big-money contract extension to match.
