Lions trade Adams to Stampeders

The BC Lions traded quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., a 2025 fourth-round pick, and a 2026 third-round selection to the Calgary Stampeders for a 2025 second-round pick, a 2025 fourth-rounder, and a 2026 second-rounder, the clubs announced Tuesday.

The Stampeders acquire the 32nd pick in the upcoming draft by snagging the 2025 fourth-round selection, while the Lions receive the ninth and 29th picks.

"We're excited to bring Vernon to Calgary," Stampeders general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson said in a statement. "We know he is a dynamic player and great leader, and we look forward to him bringing his big talents to the red and white."

Adams opened the 2024 season as BC's starting quarterback before going down with an injury on Aug. 1. The Lions signed Nathan Rourke on Aug. 13 and named him the starting signal-caller. Rourke had been pursuing NFL opportunities after an electric start to his 2023 campaign with BC.

Adams completed 197 of 302 attempts for 2,929 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions last season. The 31-year-old has 16,190 yards with 96 touchdowns against 54 picks in his CFL career.

Jake Maier took most of the Stampeders' quarterback snaps last season, completing 72.3% of his attempts for 3,841 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions.