2023 CFL Sack Leader Heads South to Detroit Lions

Many considered DC Lions defensive lineman Mathieu Betts to be the best defensive free agent in the CFL. On the first official day of free agency, however, Betts decided to head south to the NFL.

3Down Nation’s Justin Dunk reported Tuesday that Betts had signed with the Detroit Lions. The publication added that the Detroit Lions had to sign him to a free agency contract instead of a reserve or future contract since the Super Bowl occurred on Sunday. The move was expected following TSN's Farhan Lalji's report this past weekend.

Betts is coming off an incredible season, leading the CFL with 18 sacks — six more than second-best. He posted 44 total tackles and four forced fumbles in 18 games and was named a CFL All-Star. Betts also earned the league’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award.

The 28-year-old defensive lineman started his CFL career with the Edmonton Elks in 2019 before joining the BC Lions in 2022. He has now compiled 85 total tackles, 27 sacks and five forced fumbles in 55 career games after being selected with the third overall pick in the 2019 CFL Draft.

It’s a tough day not only for BC, but for the entire CFL, as it lost one of the best defensive players in recent years. He has a rare gift of speed off the outside and a knack for finding the quarterback.

For the Lions of the CFL, it was a move that likely didn't come as too much of a surprise after Betts’ dominating performance in 2023. They made sure to re-sign key defensive linemen, including Sione Teuhema, who had seven sacks last season.

Betts joins Montreal Alouettes wide receiver Austin Mack, Als defensive lineman Lwal Uguak and Hamilton Tiger-Cats wide receiver Tyreik McAllister as CFL players who have signed with the NFL this offseason.