The B.C. Lions have paved the way for one of their top defensive talents to chase a dream south of the border. The Canadian Football League club announced on Wednesday that it has released American defensive back Robert Carter Jr., freeing him to pursue and finalize a contract with the National Football League.
A Standout Rookie Season in the CFL
Carter made an immediate impact in his debut CFL campaign. The five-foot-ten, 175-pound rookie appeared in all 18 regular-season games for the Lions in 2025, quickly establishing himself as a defensive force. His stat line was impressive for a first-year player, featuring five interceptions and one forced fumble. Carter also demonstrated a knack for finding the end zone, scoring a defensive touchdown for the Lions during the season.
Securing an NFL Contract with the Colts
Following his release from the Lions, Carter did not remain a free agent for long. Reports confirm he has since signed a deal with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. This move grants him the opportunity he sought to compete at the highest level of professional football.
Lions General Manager Ryan Rigmaiden expressed both pride and understanding in an official statement. "Robert earned every bit of this opportunity," Rigmaiden said. He highlighted Carter's consistency and playmaking ability, noting, "As a rookie, he started every game, performed at a very high level and made some of the most outstanding individual plays we've seen in recent memory."
A Bittersweet but Supportive Farewell
While acknowledging the difficulty of losing a player of Carter's caliber, the Lions' front office emphasized its support for the player's aspirations. "While it always hurts to lose a player of his calibre, we're excited he'll get the opportunity to live out his dream of playing in the NFL," Rigmaiden added, reflecting the organization's supportive stance.
The release of Carter represents a significant loss for the Lions' secondary but underscores the CFL's role as a development league and a potential pathway to the NFL for talented athletes. Carter's rapid transition from a CFL rookie standout to an NFL signee highlights the caliber of play in the Canadian league and the ever-watchful eyes of NFL scouts.
