The B.C. Lions’ Solomon Elimimian, left, made CFL history in 2014, registering a league-record 143 tackles then becoming the first full-time defensive player to capture its outstanding player award.DARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press
B.C. signs linebackers Elimimian, Bighill to extensions
The B.C. Lions signed veteran linebackers Solomon Elimimian and Adam Bighill to contract extensions Tuesday. Both are signed through the 2017 season.
Elimimian made CFL history in 2014, registering a league-record 143 tackles then becoming the first full-time defensive player to capture its outstanding player award. He was also named the most outstanding defensive player.
"I've never been more proud to be a Lion and I am very happy to be part of this organization moving forward," Elimimian said in a statement. "I want nothing more than to put on that orange jersey and help win championships for our fans. It's also very special to be doing this with Adam. Playing alongside him is like playing beside your brother and it means the world to me that we are able to do this extension together."
Elimimian, heading into his sixth season with the Lions, has registered 430 total tackles, leaving him third in club history.
"When you can secure two of our league's best defensive players with long-term contracts, it's a very special day," Lions vice-president of football operations and general manager, Wally Buono, said. "Solomon and Adam are impact players who not only make our defence extremely difficult to play against, they also bring the kind of leadership needed to form the foundation of a championship team."
Bighill enters his fifth season with B.C., having recorded 280 tackles, 24 sacks, 62 special-teams tackles, six forced fumbles and six interceptions in 63 regular-season appearances. "I'm thrilled to sign this extension and know that I am a Lion through 2017," Bighill said.
"Playing football in B.C. with the core group we have here means you have an opportunity to win a Grey Cup every season and that's our ultimate goal. Knowing I get to do that with Solomon makes it that much better."
Winnipeg nabs receiver Adams, linebacker Hurl
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed international receiver Darvin Adams and agreed to terms with Canadian linebacker Sam Hurl on Tuesday, the first day of CFL free agency.
Hurl, a Calgary native, had 36 tackles, two fumble recoveries and a sack last year with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Hurl spent three seasons at Saskatchewan, recording 41 tackles, 35 special-teams tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries.
Hurl had the distinction of becoming the first CFL free agent to come to terms Tuesday, doing so just more than 90 minutes after becoming a free agent.
Shortly afterward, the Bombers announced the addition of Adams.
The 6-foot-2, 182-pound receiver had 18 catches for 237 yards and a TD last season with the Toronto Argonauts.
Adams spent two years in Toronto, recording 21 receptions for 261 yards with two TDs.
Hamilton signs receiver Watt
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have signed Canadian free-agent receiver Spencer Watt. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound native of North Vancouver, B.C., spent the past five years with the Toronto Argonauts following his collegiate career at Simon Fraser.
Watt recorded 135 career catches for 1,715 yards and nine TDs during his time with Toronto, which was hampered by injuries.
Montreal signs veteran Tisdale to one-year deal
The Montreal Alouettes agreed to a one-year contract extension with cornerback Geoff Tisdale on Tuesday. The deal came hours before Tisdale was scheduled to become a free agent.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Tisdale had five interceptions, 39 tackles and a sack last season with Montreal. The year before, he had a CFL-high seven interceptions.
"Geoff has been one of the top corners in the CFL over the last two seasons," Montreal general manager Jim Popp said in a statement.
"He has consistently been at the top in leading the CFL in interceptions and has great man skill abilities. We look forward to another successful year from Geoff in 2015."
The seven-year veteran has also played for Hamilton and Calgary during his CFL career.