B.C. Lions sign Dawson Pierre following release by Ottawa Redblacks

Graphic: 3DownNation

The B.C. Lions have signed Canadian linebacker/defensive back Dawson Pierre through 2027.

The 25-year-old was quietly released by the Ottawa Redblacks last week after spending two seasons with the team. He dressed for 15 games and made five special teams tackles.

The native of Longeuil, Que., was selected in the third round of the 2024 CFL Draft out of Concordia University. He made 81 total tackles, three interceptions, one sack, and one forced fumble over 23 career games with the Stingers. The six-foot-two, 219-pound defender was named an RSEQ all-star at safety in 2022, but has been utilized primarily as a linebacker in the CFL.

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.