B.C. Lions Offensive Lineman Jarell Broxton Reportedly Headed to Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Free Agency
According to multiple reports from prominent Canadian football sources, standout left tackle Jarell Broxton is poised to leave the B.C. Lions and join the Winnipeg Blue Bombers when CFL free agency officially opens on February 10. The communication window for teams to negotiate with pending free agents began on Sunday, and several outlets have confirmed Broxton's impending departure from the Lions organization.
Details of the Reported Contract Agreement
Taylor Allen of the Winnipeg Free Press, Farhan Lalji of TSN, and 3DownNation have all reported that Broxton has agreed to a two-year contract worth $250,000 annually. This substantial deal would make the 32-year-old offensive lineman the highest-paid American at his position in the entire Canadian Football League. The formal announcement is expected to coincide with the official opening of free agency on February 10.
Broxton, who measures 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, enjoyed a remarkable 2025 season with the Lions. He was named to the All-CFL team after anchoring an offensive line that allowed a league-low 20 sacks. His individual performance metrics were equally impressive, surrendering just 15 pressures over 16 games and earning a Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade of 81.2, which led all CFL linemen.
B.C. Lions' Salary Cap Challenges and Replacement Plans
B.C. Lions general manager Ryan Rigmaiden had publicly expressed interest in retaining Broxton for the upcoming campaign, but salary cap constraints ultimately made a new deal difficult to finalize. The CFL's salary cap for the 2026 season is set at $6.28 million, creating financial limitations for all teams.
The Lions appear to have anticipated Broxton's departure, having recently secured several offensive line alternatives:
- Kory Woodruff: Signed a two-year extension on January 19 despite not being a pending free agent. The 25-year-old started at left guard last season and filled in at left tackle during Broxton's injury absences. Rigmaiden noted Woodruff "also has the potential to play tackle," suggesting he may be the primary candidate to replace Broxton.
- Chris Schleuger: Re-signed with the Lions on January 5. The 30-year-old has experience at both guard and tackle positions.
- Dejon Allen: Re-upped with B.C. on January 29. The 31-year-old right tackle, who was the CFL's most outstanding lineman in 2023, played only five games last season due to a torn bicep but has been medically cleared for the upcoming campaign.
Broader Context of B.C. Lions' Offseason Moves
Broxton's departure comes amid a busy offseason for the Lions, who have secured extensions with 14 pending free agents, including:
- Receiver Keon Hatcher
- Running back James Butler
- Kicker Sean Whyte
- Defensive back Garry Peters
- Linebacker Ben Hladik
3DownNation had ranked Broxton as the number one pending free agent on their list published just days before the communication window opened. The Olney, Maryland native joined the Lions in 2021 and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of their offensive line.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 CFL Season
The B.C. Lions, who fell 24-21 to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in last season's West Division final, will begin their 2026 campaign on June 13 with a road game in Regina. Their home opener presents a unique circumstance, as they'll face the Calgary Stampeders in Kelowna on June 27 rather than at B.C. Place Stadium due to FIFA World Cup preparations. The Lions won't return to their Vancouver home stadium until July 25 when they host the Toronto Argonauts.
This significant free agency development represents both a major acquisition for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and a substantial challenge for the B.C. Lions as they prepare for the upcoming CFL season without one of their most dominant offensive players.
