The B.C. Lions acquired offensive lineman Dejon Allen from the Toronto Argonauts on Monday for linebacker Ryder Varga and a 2026 second-round draft pick.
Dejon Allen is six foot two and weighs 300 pounds. The 30-year-old from Compton, California, started 14 games for the Toronto Argonauts in 2024. In 2024, Toronto’s offense averaged 26.2 points per game, 368.7 net offense per game, 121.3 rushing yards per game, 265.2 passing yards per game, and 40 sacks allowed finishing 10-8 in the season and winning the 111th Grey Cup in two of the last three seasons.
The Chicago Bears signed Allen as an undrafted free agent in 2018. In 2018, he spent the season on the practice squad. The Bears released him on May 3, 2019. Next, he signed with the Green Bay Packers on August 29, 2019. The Packers released him on September 1, 2019.
The St. Louis Battlehawks drafted Allen in the 10th round (78th pick) of the 2020 XFL Draft. The Battlehawks traded Allen to the New York Guardians on January 17, 2020. Allen played four games before the league shut down due to COVID-19.
The Toronto Argonauts signed Allen on December 20, 2020. In 2023, Allen started 16 games. Toronto’s offense ranked second in offensive average points (29.3), second in offensive touchdowns (56), second in average net offense (377.8), fourth in average rushing yards (113.7), fourth in average passing yards (272.2), and first the least number of sacks allowed (19).
In four seasons, Allen has played 63 games. Allen is a two-time Grey Cup champion, a two-time All-CFL Team, and a three-time CFL East All-Star.
Collegiately, Allen played four seasons at Hawaii (2014-17) playing both guard positions in 50 games for the Rainbow Warriors. In 2017, Hawaii had its best rushing average (168.2) in 22 years. He was named First Team All-Mountain West in 2017.
Ryder Varga is six foot three and weighs 225 pounds. The 25-year-old from Regina, Saskatchewan, made 73 tackles, five tackles on special teams, and one sack in 18 games for the B.C. Lions in 2024.
The B.C. Lions drafted Varga in the third round (29th pick) of the 2022 CFL Draft. In 2022, he made nine tackles, 13 tackles on special teams, and one sack in 18 games.
Collegiately, Varga played five seasons at the University of Regina (2017-19, 2021-22) making 157 tackles (115 solos, 42 assists), 21.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, one interception, seven pass breakups, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one blocked kick in 32 games for the Rams. He was named First Team All-Canadian in 2022, Canada West Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, a three-time Academic All-Canadian, and a two-time Canada West All-Star.
