The BC Lions have released American linebacker Josh Woods. He was scheduled to become a free agent in February.
The six-foot-two, 235-pound defensive back made 62 tackles on defense, three special teams tackles and one sack over 14 regular-season games in 2025, starting 10 games at weakside linebacker.
The Ontario, Calif. native made his Lions debut in 2021 after a collegiate career at UCLA, where he recorded 111 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, two pass breakups and one interception in 31 games.
The 27-year-old played in 55 regular-season games for the team over five seasons, making 152 defensive tackles, 25 special teams tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and one touchdown.
Woods' release comes three days after the Lions signed veteran linebacker Darnell Sankey. The 31-year-old was cut by the Montreal Alouettes last week after recording 239 defensive tackles, four sacks, two interceptions and five forced fumbles in 41 regular-season games with the team, winning a Gray Cup in 2023 and earning All-East Division selections in 2024 and 2025.
The BC Lions finished second in the West Division standings in 2025 with an 11-7 record and beat the Calgary Stampeders in the West Semi-Finals before losing to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the West Final. Nathan Rourke threw for 5,290 yards, 31 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 16 regular-season starts, posting an 11-5 record. He was also named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player.
The Lions ranked first in net offense, fourth in net defense and sixth with a minus-four turnover margin. James Butler rushed for 1,213 yards, Keon Hatcher led the CFL with 1,688 receiving yards and Micah Awe led the league with 117 tackles. British Columbia ranked third in attendance with an average attendance of 27,124, up 0.9 percent from the previous year.
