B.C. Lion newly signed player Darnell Sankey speak on what he could have done to stay in his former team instead of Montreal Alouettes

Darnell Sankey built an outstanding résumé during his two-and-a-half seasons with the Montreal Alouettes. The veteran middle linebacker earned back-to-back all-star honours and helped guide the team to three consecutive East Division Finals, along with two Grey Cup appearances.

Yet despite that success, Montreal opted to release him in December — a decision that left Sankey questioning what more he could have done to secure his future with the club.

“It’s more bitter than sweet,” he admitted. “I’ve been released before in my career, plenty of times in the NFL, but this felt different. When you lead a defence to two Grey Cups, I’m not sure what else you’re supposed to do. Maybe make it to all three. Maybe win the last one.”

In 2025, Sankey was once again named an East Division All-CFL selection after recording 99 tackles and two sacks. He added 13 tackles and an interception during the playoffs, though the Alouettes ultimately fell to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the 112th Grey Cup.

Despite his consistent production, Sankey sensed change was coming. Montreal had drafted Canadian linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku in the first round of the 2024 CFL Draft and gradually expanded his role, signalling a potential shift in roster strategy.

“I think they had a plan for a while,” Sankey said. “I’m not going to get into the details, but I wasn’t shocked. I think I just made it tough for them to go in that direction.”

Now entering his 10th professional season, the 31-year-old said experience has sharpened his instincts. After noticing certain signs during the year and sensing a shift in negotiations, he approached management directly.

“They told me their plans, and I told them if that’s the route you want to take, then let me move on so I can find something else,” he explained. “We handled it with respect on both sides.”

His release made him one of the earliest major names available ahead of free agency — and it quickly became clear that the rest of the league had taken notice.

“A lot of GMs were asking the same thing: ‘What were they thinking?’ And honestly, I didn’t have an answer,” Sankey said. “I’ve improved every year. The numbers are there. The defences I’ve led have produced.”

While he declined to name specific teams, Sankey said there was enough interest to give him options — even from a few unexpected suitors. Ultimately, he chose the BC Lions, citing the respect shown by general manager Ryan Rigmaiden.

Rigmaiden had attempted to sign Sankey in 2023 before he joined Montreal, and this time he moved quickly.

“As soon as it became official, he called me,” Sankey recalled. “He said they’ve wanted me for a while and didn’t understand why I was released. That meant something.”

Just over a week later, Sankey officially signed with B.C., with the team parting ways with Micah Awe to make room for their new defensive leader. The Lions believe Sankey brings the physical edge and presence they’ve been missing in the middle.

Confident as ever, Sankey has already made a bold declaration about his new team’s outlook.

“We’re going to be the best defence in the CFL,” he said. “That’s the standard. The goal is a Grey Cup. Anything less is a failure.”

He insists the confidence isn’t arrogance — just belief in his track record.

“The tape speaks for itself. The accolades are there. Every defence I’ve been part of has been near the top.”

Sankey will have to wait until Week 14 to face his former team when the Lions travel to Montreal on September 4. The Alouettes visit Vancouver the following week to complete a home-and-home series.

Despite the circumstances of his departure, Sankey says there’s no bitterness driving him.

“I’m motivated by winning championships, not revenge,” he said. “I won a Grey Cup there. It ended how it ended. It’s business. I’m focused on B.C. now.”

For now, his attention is squarely on building something new in Vancouver — with his sights firmly set on another title run.