B.C. Lions

B.C. Lions release receiver Keon Hatcher prior to off-season bonus

by
John Hodge
February 2, 2025

Photo: Steven Chang/B.C. Lions

The B.C. Lions have released veteran American receiver Keon Hatcher, per sources. The news was first reported by TSN’s Farhan Lalji.

Hatcher was due a $40,000 off-season bonus on February 7 as part of $193,800 in hard money next season. After the two sides were unable to come to an agreement on a restructured contract, he requested and was granted his release.

The Tulsa, Ok. native is the second former all-star to be released from the Lions’ receiving corps for financial reasons this off-season, joining Alexander Hollins on the open market.

↑ what lands at 3 p.m. daily

3DownNation Daily

Get game analysis, stats, and more daily at 3pm

Here’s exactly what you’ll get.

One email. Every weekday at 3 p.m. Your daily CFL briefing.

Canadian football's biggest stories
Smart game analysis
Every CFL transaction covered with exclusive insight

Free. Unsubscribe anytime. By signing up you agree to receive daily emails from 3DownNation, as well as our terms of service and privacy policy. 1900 Rose St, Regina SK S4P 0A9.

Following back-to-back thousand-yard campaigns in 2022 and 2023, the 30-year-old saw his production dip last year after rushing back from a torn Achilles suffered in the West Final. He made 38 catches for 608 yards in 11 games in 2024.

In 51 appearances over four seasons with the Lions, Hatcher recorded 203 receptions for 3,091 yards and 13 touchdowns. The six-foot-one, 212-pound target was an All-CFL selection in 2023.

John Hodge

John Hodge is a longtime Canadian football reporter, insider, and podcaster for 3DownNation. Based in Winnipeg, Hodge is also a freelance television and radio broadcaster and curling reporter for Rock Channel.