While the CFL would love to have its star defensive player Mathieu Betts back, the possibility of the NFL is still in the picture.
TSN’s Farhan Lalji reported this past weekend that there is a strong possibility that he will sign a futures contract with the Detroit Lions. While the deal is not done yet, multiple sources told Lalji that it could be done this week.
There wasn’t a more dominant pass rusher in the CFL last season than Betts, who set the league on fire with 18 sacks, which was six more than second-best. He added 44 total tackles and four forced fumbles in 18 games. The league rewarded Betts with the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award, and he was named to the All-Star team.
His first season with the BC Lions came in 2022, and he contributed 28 total tackles and seven sacks while playing in every game. This followed two years with the Edmonton Elks, in which he compiled a total of 13 tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble in 19 games. Edmonton selected him with the third overall pick in the 2019 CFL Draft.
Betts is no stranger to the NFL after starting his professional career with the Chicago Bears in training camp. He was ultimately released in the final roster cut-downs. This offseason, he has worked out with three NFL teams.
Many CFL organizations have been named in the running for Betts’ services should he not sign with the NFL. Among those are the Lions and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
It would be hard to believe that all nine teams wouldn't throw their names in the hat for the Betts sweepstakes. If the NFL doesn’t sign Betts, fans can certainly bet he will be in the running for being the highest paid defensive player in the CFL in 2024.
Free agency for the CFL officially begins Feb. 13.
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