The BC Lions free agent defensive back Aaron Grymes has signed a 2019 contract with the team.
“Aaron is one of the CFL’s top defensive backs and will be a welcome addition to our secondary,” said GM Ed Hervey. “His ability to play both halfback and corner is the kind of versatility that is of tremendous value to us and we’re excited to have him onboard.”
Grymes (5’11, 185) brings 66 games of experience west to the Lions as well as a Grey Cup ring from his time with Edmonton. The University of Idaho grad and Seattle native has recorded 181 career tackles along with 11 interceptions with two of those picks returned for touchdowns. Reunited with high school teammate and current Lions DB T.J. Lee, Aaron’s 40 tackles and four picks in 2015 earned him a CFL All-Star selection.
“Without a doubt, BC is where I wanted to be,” said Grymes. “I know the excitement coming out of there today is all about the offence, but I guarantee that our defence is going to give other teams a lot of trouble. I can’t wait to get started.”
The team also announced that free agent receiver Lemar Durant has signed a 2019 contract with the team.
“Lemar is one the premier Canadian receivers in the league right now and this is a big signing for us today,” said GM Ed Hervey. “We want our offence to be dynamic with playmakers at every position and Lemar represents a big upgrade for us.”
Durant (6’2”, 230) a Vancouver native and SFU grad was Calgary’s second-round selection (18th overall) in the 2015 CFL Draft and enjoyed a productive stay with the Stampeders appearing in 51 regular season games amassing 1,280 yards on 102 receptions with eight touchdowns.
“I am excited to be returning to BC to join my hometown team,” said Durant. “It’s not often you get to do that as a professional athlete and the added opportunity to play with Mike Reilly and the rest of the guys Ed Hervey is bringing in makes this a great day to be a Lion.”
Yet more signings today the club signed free agent offensive guard Sukh Chungh has signed a three-year contract with the team.
“We believe the identity of our football team will be significantly defined by the style of play of our offensive line and Sukh represents everything we want our offensive line to be in 2019,” said GM Ed Hervey. “A player of his experience and ability had numerous options in free agency and the fact he has chosen to return home to Vancouver speaks volumes about the team we’re building right now.”
Chungh (6’4”, 300) will indeed return to the Lower Mainland following four exceptional seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Port Coquitlam native and University of Calgary grad appeared in 69 regular season games after being drafted second-overall by the Bombers in 2015.
Immediately inserted into Winnipeg’s starting lineup as a rookie, the Terry Fox Secondary alum quickly established himself as a dominant force at the guard position. Earning a league-wide reputation as both edgy and gritty but also a technically superior run blocker and pass protector, the highly sought-after lineman was a primary target of many teams heading into the offseason.
“British Columbia is my home and this is a dream come true to be able to play in front of my family and friends,” said Chungh. “From a football standpoint, I believe Ed is putting together a team that not only has tremendous talent but will be absolutely accountable to one another in the room. It’s going to be a lot of fun finally being able to be a BC Lion.”
