The B.C. Lions kicked off the 2023 CFL Free Agency by signing former Saskatchewan Roughriders wide receiver Justin McInnis. In addition, the Lions signed former Montreal Alouettes offensive lineman Chris Schleuger, former Montreal Alouettes quarterback Dominque Davis, and former Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive lineman Michael Couture.
Justin McInnis, a 26-year-old from Pierrefonds, Quebec, made 33 catches for 364 yards, and two touchdowns in 13 games for the Roughriders in 2022. The Roughriders drafted McInnis in the first round (6th pick) in the 2019 CFL Draft. McInnis played three seasons in Saskatchewan with 48 catches for 596 yards, and two touchdowns in 33 games.
Collegiately, McInnis played one season at Dodge City Community College with 49 catches for 964 yards and seven touchdowns. Then, he transferred to Arkansas State (2016-18) with 120 catches for 1,631 yards and ten touchdowns. In 2018, McInnis finished second in receiving with 61 catches for 748 yards, and five touchdowns.
Chris Schleuger, a 27-year-old from Wesley, Iowa, played six games for the Alouettes in 2022. Schleuger played 22 games in three seasons with Montreal. Before coming to the CFL, Schleuger attended training camp for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Collegiately, Schleuger played one season at Iowa Western Community College, 14 games for Northern Iowa in 2014, and the University of Birmingham-Alabama for two seasons. He made 12 starts at left guard and helped UAB average 183.2 rushing yards per game. In addition, UAB’s offense tied a school mark with 27 rushing touchdowns while recording a team-high 30 knockdown blocks. He was named All-Conference USA Second Team in 2017.
Michael Couture, a 29-year-old from Burnaby, British Columbia, signed a two-year contract with the Lions. He played seven games for the Blue Bombers in 2022. The two-time Grey Cup champion was drafted by Winnipeg in the second round (10th pick) in 2016 and played a total of 93 games for the Blue Bombers.
Collegiately, Couture played 36 games in four seasons at Simon Fraser University (2012-15) at four different positions. He was twice voted a Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) All-Star in 2014 and 2015.
Dominique Davis, a 33-year-old from Lakeland, Florida, completed 19 of 25 passes (76%) for 253 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions, 63 carries for 111 yards, and 13 touchdowns for the Alouettes in 2022.
In the 2012 NFL Draft out of East Carolina, Davis went undrafted and signed with the Atlanta Falcons. He also had stints with the Titans and Colts.
In 2015, Davis made the jump to the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders. He was released during training camp and signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Davis spent three seasons in Winnipeg before heading to Ottawa. Davis played three seasons with the Redblacks. In 106 career games, Davis has 335 completions for 3,893 yards, 14 touchdowns, 21 interceptions, 167 carries for 434 yards, and 13 touchdowns.
Collegiately, Davis played one season at Boston College (2008) completing 63 of 138 passes (45.7%) for 741 yards, six touchdowns, four interceptions, 43 carries for 48 yards, and two touchdowns in six games for the Eagles.
Then, he transferred to Fort Scott (2009) completing 113 of 215 passes (52.5%) for 1,467 yards, six touchdowns, eight interceptions, 62 carries for 31 yards, and 12 touchdowns in 12 games for the Greyhounds.
Finally, he transferred to East Carolina (2010-11) completing 903 of 1,456 passes (62%) for 9,400 yards, 74 touchdowns, 47 interceptions, 277 carries for 392 yards, and 28 touchdowns in 43 games for the Pirates.
