The B.C. Lions have re-signed Canadian defensive lineman Nathan Cherry through 2027. He was scheduled to become a free agent in February.
The six-foot-one, 271-pound defender played 18 regular-season games in 2025 and made four defensive tackles. He added three defensive tackles during the team’s postseason games in the West Semi-Final and West Final.
“Re-signing Nathan was important for us, as he adds another solid player to our deep defensive line rotation,” said general manager Ryan Rigmaiden in a statement. “His energy, toughness and character are huge assets for us on the field and in the community.”
Originally selected with the third overall pick in the 2022 CFL Draft, the native of Saskatoon, Sask. has since made 15 defensive tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles over 28 regular-season CFL games.
Cherry played collegiately at the University of Saskatchewan where he made 46 total tackles, 10 sacks, and one fumble recovery. He was named a first-team U Sports All-Canadian in 2021.
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.
