Hamilton Tiger Cats deal veteran quarterback Dane Evans to B.C. Lions

Dane Evans’ CFL profession continues on the West Coast.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats traded Evans to the BC Lions on Thursday for a conditional 2024 fourth-round choose. Evans was the Ticats starter for his or her two Grey Cup losses to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2019, 2021).

The transfer comes simply over a 12 months after Hamilton determined to decide to Evans as their starter — signing a two-year deal — and permit Jeremiah Masoli to affix the Ottawa Redblacks as a free agent. However the Ticats (8-10) completed third within the East Division final season earlier than shedding to the Montreal Alouettes 28-17 within the convention semifinals.

Evans’ destiny was sealed final month when Hamilton went all-in with veteran Bo Levi Mitchell, signing the two-time CFL participant of the 12 months to a three-year deal, about two months after buying Mitchell’s rights from the Calgary Stampeders.

BC’s acquisition of Evans comes after the membership traded veteran Vernon Adams Jr. gave a giant vote of confidence final month when Canadian Nathan Rourke signed with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. However Rick Campbell, the Lions’ head coach/co-GM mentioned Adams will stay the membership’s starter.

“We’re thrilled so as to add somebody of Dane’s caliber to our quarterback,” Campbell mentioned in a press release. “You may by no means have sufficient confirmed veterans at QB.

“Vernon Adams Jr. is our man and our newbie. Led by VA, the QB room will likely be a key part to our success in 2023.”

The Lions and Ticats will meet twice this 12 months. Hamilton visits BC Place Stadium on August 26 earlier than the 2 groups play at Tim Hortons Area on October 13.

In 2018, Adams and Evans have been collectively in Hamilton, attempting to transform the five-foot-11, 200-pound Adams to receiver. After being launched by the Ticats, Adams signed with Montreal, the place he started his CFL profession in 2016.

“LET’S GO!!!” Evans tweeted. “Able to go to work with a brand new crew.

“New begin!! Let’s get it guys”

Evans had one 12 months – at greater than $400,000 – left on the deal he signed with Hamilton. There have been reviews that Evans agreed to a modified cope with BC that was extra in step with a backup quarterback.

The six-foot-one, 218-pound Evans completed 305-of-457 (66.7 %) for 3,883 yards with Hamilton final season. However he additionally led the CFL in interceptions (16), fumbles (eight) and fumbles misplaced (seven), whereas profitable simply six of 14 regular-season begins.

Evans, 29, joined the Ticats in 2018 and has appeared in 63 profession regular-season video games over 4 seasons. He accomplished 698-of-1,019 passes (67.6 %) for 8,807 yards with 45 touchdowns and 34 interceptions.

Evans additionally ran for 511 yards and 10 TDs on 125 carries (4.01 yard common).

BC landed Adams from the Montreal Alouettes on August 31, 2022 after Rourke suffered a Lisfranc sprain in his proper foot that required surgical procedure. Adams received 4 of the six begins he made for the Lions, finishing 118 of 180 passes (65.6 %) for 1,504 yards with six TDs and one interception earlier than Rourke returned for the membership’s regular-season finale .

Adams additionally rushed for 129 yards on 14 carries (9.2-yard common).

BC additionally signed American quarterback Dominique Davis to a one-year contract on February 14, the primary day of CFL free company. The six-foot-four, 216-pound Davis spent final season with Montreal, finishing 19-of-25 passes for 253 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions whereas speeding for 163 yards and 13 touchdowns on 63 carries.

Davis is getting into his eighth CFL season, having frolicked with Winnipeg (2015-17), Ottawa (2018-19, 2021) and Montreal (2022). He appeared in 106 profession regular-season video games, finishing 335 of 528 passes (63.4 %) for 3,893 yards with 14 TDs and 21 interceptions.

Davis, 33, rushed 167 occasions for 434 yards (2.6-yard common) and 26 touchdowns.

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