The B.C. Lions and Nathan Rourke finalized an agreement to restructure the quarterback’s contract, the team announced on Friday.
Rourke remains signed by the Lions through 2026 after rejoining the squad on a three-year deal upon his return from the NFL on Aug. 13.
The quarterback from Victoria was the CFL’s top Canadian in 2022, when he threw for 25 touchdown passes and 3,349 yards in just 10 regular-season games.
But he struggled when he returned to B.C. midway through last season after trying unsuccessfully to land a job in the NFL. He posted a 3-5 record as a starter and had more than twice as many interceptions (nine) as touchdowns (four).
B.C. switched to Vernon Adams Jr. for its season finale and its 28-19 loss to Saskatchewan in the West Division semifinal.
Adams was dealt to Calgary after the season.
“Nathan’s restructured deal allows us to continue to build our roster for success this year and beyond,” Lions general manager Ryan Rigmaiden said in a release.
“We’re excited to have him leading our offence and feel he’ll continue to ascend to the level we’ve seen him perform.”
Later, the Lions announced that receiver Justin McInnis to a two-year contract extension.
McInnis, from Pierrefonds, Que., had a league-leading 1,469 yards last year and scored seven touchdowns.
He became the first Canadian to lead the league in receiving since Andy Fantuz in 2010.
Also Friday, the Lions signed American offensive lineman Chris Schleuger to a contract extension.
Schleuger made nine starts — six at left guard, three at left tackle — for the Lions in 2024.
