Jurriën timber
Photo courtesy: Steven Chang/B.C. Lions
The B.C. Lions have signed Canadian fullback Riley Pickett to a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through 2027.
The six-foot-three, 250-pound special teamer collected 11 tackles in 18 regular-season games last season, adding four more in the playoffs. He also saw his role on offence grow, collecting seven receptions for 56 yards and adding six yards on three carries.
“Riley embodies the grit and toughness we’re looking for, as we continue to build this roster,” general manager Ryan Rigmaiden said in a statement.
“I love his story of converting from a U-Sports defensive end into one of the best fullbacks and special teams players in the league. He’s going to continue to get better on the field and remain a leader in the locker room. We’re lucky to have him on our team.”
Pickett was originally selected by the Lions with the 41st overall pick in the fifth round of the 2022 CFL Draft as a defensive end. He converted to long snapper in his second season, before adding fullback duties in year three and fully switching to offence in 2025. In total, he has appeared in 64 regular-season games and five playoff games with B.C.
The native of Saskatoon, Sask., suited up in 30 games with the Saskatchewan Huskies from 2018 to 2021, recording 108 total tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, 14 sacks, six pass knockdowns, two forced fumbles, and a pair of fumble recoveries. Along with helping the Huskies capture a Hardy Cup in 2018 and appear in the Vanier Cup in 2021, Pickett was a Canada West All-Star in his senior season.
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.