Lions turning the page after new deal with CFL ratified

It was tough still because there’s that potential that you don’t play football this season,” said Lions receiver Bryan Burnham about being on strike. “It’s kind of in the back of your mind, but at the end of the day it’s just good to be back out there with the guys.”

Lions player rep David Mackie added, “I believe the biggest difference-maker was getting all the guys to vote. It wasn’t a total radical change, it appreciate our bargaining committee for standing with the standing up to the vote that got turned down. They went back to the table and got something.”

Mackie feels the $1.225 million ratification bonus that will be shared among players — up from the initial $1 million proposed — made a difference.

“I know there were a few middle-of-the-pack guys, older guys, that felt they weren’t going to benefit from ratification, so that ratification bonus, the money up front, maybe helped persuade some of those guys that felt they weren’t going to see the end of the seven-year term,” he said.

The Canadian ratio on the initial deal received some pushback from players, even though it won’t change much in the latest deal. In the new deal, teams will have seven Canadian starters — just as it’s always been.

Next year, the league will introduce two “Nationalized Americans” — American players who have spent either five years in the CFL or at least three with the same team — that can play half the game in place of Canadians. The league could increase the number of American starters to three in 2024.

“I appreciate our bargaining committee fighting for that No. 7 [Canadian starters],” said Mackie. “Last time, I discussed my displeasure with the fact that Canadian content is always targeted, but we understand the CFL wants to go for a better product on the field.”

Lions head coach Rick Campbell says he doesn’t get too wrapped up in who’s Canadian and who’s American.

“I like our [Canadians]. We’ll probably end up playing more than we need to,” said Campbell. “When I was in Ottawa, we played multiple games with more Canadians starters than you need. I get more caught up in who’s the best football player and how to win.”

The Lions are in Calgary on Saturday for their first preseason game since 2019.

by Chad Klassen

Lions turning the page after new deal with CFL ratified

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