The B.C. Lions have made a significant move to strengthen their defensive core ahead of the 2026 Canadian Football League season. The team announced on December 19, 2025, that they have agreed to terms with veteran linebacker Darnell Sankey on a one-year contract.
A Proven Playmaker Joins the Den
Darnell Sankey, a dominant force at the linebacker position, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for hard-hitting play to the Lions' roster. The signing represents a strategic acquisition for a Lions team looking to solidify its defence. Sankey spent the 2025 season with the Montreal Alouettes, where he was a key contributor to their defensive unit, as evidenced by his presence in the Eastern semi-final against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers that November.
What Sankey Brings to the Lions
Known for his physicality and ability to disrupt opposing offences, Sankey's skill set is expected to immediately elevate the Lions' defensive schemes. His tackling prowess and field awareness will be crucial assets in the competitive West Division. The one-year pact allows both the player and the team to assess the fit with an eye toward the future, while providing the Lions with a high-impact player for the upcoming campaign.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 CFL Season
This signing signals the Lions' intent to be aggressive in the off-season market as they build a contender. Securing a player of Sankey's calibre addresses a key area of need and provides veteran leadership on the defensive side of the ball. Fans in Vancouver and across British Columbia will be eager to see how this new addition meshes with the existing lineup when training camp opens.
The move is one of the first major dominoes to fall in the CFL's off-season, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing period of roster building across the league. All eyes will now be on the Lions' management to see what other moves follow as they prepare for a run in the 2026 season.
