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The Detroit Lions have made a significant addition to their defensive lineup by bringing in former BC Lions CFL standout Mathieu Betts. At 28 years old, Betts is already a decorated player, having been honored as the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player last season.
Originally from Montreal, Quebec, Betts was selected as the third overall pick by the Edmonton team in 2019. Despite initially signing with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent after the 2019 NFL Draft, Betts was later released before the regular season began. Following his stint in Edmonton, Betts found his way to the BC Lions through free agency in 2022, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
In 2023, Betts had a standout season with the Lions, amassing an impressive 18 sacks and forcing four fumbles. His contributions were instrumental in helping the Lions reach the CFL West Final for the second consecutive year, although they were ultimately eliminated by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The move to sign Betts aligns with a trend of successful transitions from the CFL to the NFL, as demonstrated by notable figures such as Joe Theismann, Cameron Wake, Warren Moon, and Doug Flutie. It highlights the potential for players to excel in both leagues and speaks to Betts’ promising future in the NFL.
Betts is a star in Canadian football
Betts made an impressive mark last season with the B.C. Lions, tallying 18 sacks in 18 games. His outstanding performance not only set a new single-season record for sacks by a Canadian-born player but also attracted attention from both the NFL and CFL teams. Despite offers from multiple suitors, Betts chose the Lions over a contract offer from one NFL team and various CFL options.
According to Betts’ agent, Sasha Ghavami, the decision to join the Lions was influenced by a strong fit with the team, particularly with the Detroit organization showing sustained interest in him since his workout with them. Ghavami emphasized Betts’ attributes aligning well with the Lions’ preferences for players with high energy and a relentless work ethic. Betts sees this move as another opportunity to prove himself in the NFL, expressing confidence in his abilities and eagerness for the challenge.
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