B.C. Lions cut much-maligned tackle Brett Boyko

Photo courtes: Scott Grant / CFLPhotoArchive.com

The axe has fallen on one of the most heavily criticized members of the 2019 B.C. Lions.

A year after signing the long anticipated draft pick to a contract, the Lions have cut Canadian offensive tackle Brett Boyko. The Saskatoon native played 15 games for the club in 2019.

Boyko was a top-rated prospect in the 2015 CFL Draft class but fell to the Lions in the second round because of well-founded concerns over his NFL opportunities. The UNLV product spent parts of four seasons with the Eagles and Chargers as an undrafted free agent, mostly on practice squads. He played in one regular-season contest in 2017.

The 28-year old signed with the Lions after a stint with the San Diego Fleet of the AAF and was expected to be an instant contributor for the team. He would go on to start just five game, four at right tackle and one at left tackle, while becoming a lightning rod for criticism on a dreadful Lions offensive line.

Given how long the Lions waited to acquire his services and his high grade as a prospect, most anticipated that Boyko would be given every opportunity to redeem himself in Vancouver. Instead, the coveted asset is out the door after just one season in orange.

The Lions also released American defensive back Isaiah Bennett in a simultaneous transaction.