Lions extend defensive lineman Mathieu Betts through 2027
Minas Panagiotakis/CFL.ca
VANCOUVER -- The BC Lions announced on Friday that National defensive lineman Mathieu Betts has signed a one-year contract extension. Betts was eligible to become a free agent following the 2026 campaign.
“I’m very excited and proud to remain a Lion for the foreseeable future,” said Betts on inking his new deal.
“Since my arrival four years ago, this club has continued to demonstrate its commitment to building something special. My family and I are grateful for the opportunity to continue the pursuit of our team goals here in British Columbia.”
Added general manager Ryan Rigmaiden: "Mathieu has been a consistent pass rush threat since we signed him in 2022. His motor, toughness, leadership and ability to take over games have had a direct link to BC's success in recent years. Naturally, extending him was a priority for Coach Pierce and me. We couldn't be happier to have him back for another year.”
After two seasons with the Edmonton Elks, who selected him third overall in the 2019 CFL Canadian Draft, Betts joined the Lions as a free agent ahead of 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the CFL’s premier pass rushers. In 2023, the Montreal native enjoyed his breakout campaign, recording a franchise-record 18 sacks to go with 44 defensive tackles, three tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles.
He capped the year off by earning his first CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player and parlayed that success into a contract with the NFL’s Detroit Lions. Following his release in training camp, Betts returned to British Columbia and racked up 13 tackles, a pair of sacks and an interception return touchdown in the final seven games of 2024.
Betts made history last season, becoming the first Canadian to win Most Outstanding Defensive Player for a second time after leading the league with 15 sacks and notching 42 defensive tackles. In the process, he became the first player in over three decades to record nine sacks across a three-game span.
In addition to his league hardware, Betts earned both All-CFL and West Division All-CFL in 2023 and 2025.