Lions sign CFL standout Mathieu Betts

Field Level Media|published: 02/13/2024, 2:00pm EST

Jun 17, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; BC Lions defensive lineman Mathieu Betts (90) sacks Edmonton Elks quarterback Taylor Cornelius (15) in the second half at BC Place. BC won 22-0. credits: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions signed defensive lineman Mathieu Betts to a reserve/futures contract on Tuesday.

Betts, 28, was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player after recording a league-best 18 sacks in 18 games last season with the B.C. Lions. The Montreal native's sack total was the most by a Canadian-born player in league history.

Betts initially was selected third overall by Edmonton in the 2019 CFL Draft before opting to sign with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent. He was cut by the Bears later that summer and returned to Canada to play with Edmonton (2019, 2021) and B.C. (2022-23).

—Field Level Media