Big Move Coming for B.C. Lions

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The BC Lions have made it official: Vernon Adams Jr., their charismatic quarterback, will not return in 2025. Newly promoted general manager Ryan Rigmaiden confirmed on Wednesday that the team is actively seeking trade opportunities for Adams, marking the end of a dramatic chapter in BC’s quarterback saga. The move solidifies Nathan Rourke as the franchise’s cornerstone and brings clarity to a rocky season marred by quarterback controversies, injuries, and dissappointment. 

Adams’ departure marks a bittersweet moment for Lions fans, who saw flashes of brilliance from the 31-year-old signal-caller during his tenure. As the team turns the page, it’s worth revisiting Adams’ time in BC.

Photo courtesy: Jeff Vinnick/B.C. Lions

Adams joined the Lions midway through the 2022 season via a trade from the Montreal Alouettes. His arrival came at a critical moment for the team, as QB Nathan Rourke, then the rising star of the CFL, had suffered a foot injury which sidelined him for an extended period of time. Rourke was having a historic season and subsequently, the Lions were having a terrific season. Tasked with keeping the Lions’ now Grey Cup-hopes alive, Adams quickly endeared himself to fans with his impressive playmaking and even moreso: his character.

The following season, Nathan Rourke was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL and so Adam’s spot as the Lions’ starter was secure. The team looked poised for success, and Adams delivered early. His performances placed him among the league’s elite, sparking conversations about him being a Most Outstanding Player (MOP) candidate. Through the first six weeks of the season, Adams led the Lions to a 5-1, impressing his new team.

Lions QB Nathan Rourke before being drafted (Larry MacDougal/The Canadian Press)

However, his season took a sharp turn when he suffered a knee injury. While Adams rehabbed, the Lions made a stunning move by re-signing Nathan Rourke, who had returned from his brief stint in the NFL. Rourke’s three-year contract, one of the largest in CFL history, was a clear signal of the Lions’ long-term vision. The subsequent quarterback shuffle would shape the narrative of the Lions’ season and, ultimately, Adams’ fate.

When Rourke was reintroduced as the team’s starter in August, Adams had just returned to full health. Despite his impressive start to the season, the Lions chose to ride with Rourke, igniting controversy within the team and fanbase. The decision reportedly caused divisions in the locker room, and the Lions struggled to maintain their momentum.

BC limped to a 9-9 finish, a far cry from the expectations set at the season’s outset. With Rourke at the helm, the team went 3-5, prompting questions about whether the Lions had mishandled the situation. When Rourke faltered late in the season, Adams was reinstated as the starter for the regular season finale and the playoff opener against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Unfortunately, Adams and the Lions fell short, losing in the West Semi-Final.

The tumultuous season cast a shadow over Adams’ future in BC. While team officials initially claimed they had not decided on their quarterback plans for 2025, the writing was on the wall. Rourke publicly expressed confidence in his role as the team’s starter moving forward, and Adams acknowledged he might be on his way out.

Ryan Rigmaiden’s first press conference as the Lions’ general manager left no doubt about the team’s intentions. Speaking to reporters, Rigmaiden praised Adams’ talent and character but emphasized the need to prioritize the organization’s goals.

“We’re going to start those conversations tonight,” Rigmaiden said of trade discussions. “I’ll start reaching out to some teams. Again, I’m not a timeline guy. I want to make the best decision for the club… We’ll see what the market shakes out.”

The Lions expect significant interest in Adams, who has twice been traded for first-round draft picks during his career. Teams like the Calgary Stampeders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats have emerged as potential suitors, with both franchises seeking an experienced quarterback to lead their offenses.

Rigmaiden, who has a long history with Adams dating back to scouting him as a 19-year-old prospect, pledged transparency throughout the process. However, he made it clear that the decision would rest solely with the organization. “He will not have a say in this process. We’re gonna do what’s best for the club,” Rigmaiden stated.

Vernon Adams Jr. against the Edmonton Elks July. 2023 (Bob Frid-Imagn Images / Bob Frid-Imagn Images)

In reflecting on Adams’ time with the Lions, his contributions go beyond the stat sheet. Over his 1.5 seasons in BC, he provided stability during uncertain times and delivered thrilling performances that electrified fans.

In 2024, Adams completed 65.2 percent of his passes for 2,929 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in nine starts. He also added 213 rushing yards and three scores on the ground, showcasing his trademark mobility. His career CFL numbers—16,190 passing yards, 96 touchdowns, and 54 interceptions—highlight his consistent production over eight seasons.

Adams’ leadership and charisma made him a beloved figure in the locker room and the community. Despite the challenges he faced, he remained a consummate professional, embracing his role and supporting his teammates.

For the BC Lions, trading Adams represents a turning point. With Rourke as the face of the franchise, the team has clarity at the quarterback position for the first time in years. The focus now shifts to building a roster that can contend for a Grey Cup in 2025.

For Adams, the future is full of possibilities. At 31, he remains one of the CFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks, capable of transforming an offense with his arm and legs. Teams in need of a proven leader and playmaker will undoubtedly line up for his services.

The Calgary Stampeders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats stand out as logical landing spots, but other teams could enter the mix depending on how the market unfolds. Wherever he lands, Adams will have an opportunity to reclaim a starting role and remind the league of his capabilities.

Vernon Adams Jr.’s time with the BC Lions may not have ended with a championship, but it was far from a failure. His journey in BC encapsulates the highs and lows of professional football, from his emergence as a star to the challenges of navigating a crowded quarterback room.

As the Lions and Adams part ways, both sides can look ahead with optimism. The Lions have found their franchise quarterback in Nathan Rourke, while Adams prepares for a fresh start with a new team. Though their paths diverge, Adams’ impact on the BC Lions will not be forgotten.

For fans in Vancouver, the memories of Adams scrambling to extend a play or launching a deep ball to ignite the crowd will remain a testament to his talent and tenacity. As he moves on, the league waits to see where Vernon Adams Jr. will write the next chapter of his CFL story.

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