The BC Lions have added another piece to their defensive and special teams units with the signing of National linebacker Kevin Francis.

The 28-year-old Toronto native has suited up in 64 games over the past five seasons, 58 of those coming with the Saskatchewan Roughriders from 2016-18 and again in 2021.

A round three supplemental pick of the Riders in 2016, Francis recorded career-highs in defensive (12) and special teams (15) tackles as a rookie.

He signed with the Ottawa REDBLACKS in 2019 and would dress in seven games in his lone season in the nation’s capital. Francis then signed with the Lions as a free agent but would not suit up after the 2020 season was canceled.

The 6’5”, 210- pound Francis was a tight end during his four-year college career at North Carolina A&T, recording 17 receptions for 163 yards.

Also,the Lions added another piece to their wide receiver group as the club has signed National Daniel Petermann.

Daniel Petermann.

Petermann, 26, was a member of the Ottawa REDBLACKS in 2021 and caught 16 passes for 148 yards and a pair of touchdowns in ten games.

Selected in round three (26th overall) by Winnipeg in the 2018 CFL Draft, Petermann suited up in 36 regular season contests in two seasons with the Blue Bombers, hauling in 25 receptions for 272 yards and two majors. The Stoney Creek, Ontario native also earned a Grey Cup ring with the Bombers in 2019.

Petermann played his university football at McMaster, appearing in the 2014 Vanier Cup against Montreal, and recorded the fastest 40-yard dash time (4.54 seconds) at the 2018 CFL National Combine.