Breaking news: B.C. Lions retain key American defensive lineman ahead of new season

The B.C. Lions have secured the return of American defensive end Sione Teuhema, re-signing the veteran pass rusher for the 2026 CFL season.

Teuhema, who is now 30, featured in nine games for the Lions last year, finishing with 14 defensive tackles, one special-teams stop, and three sacks. His campaign was disrupted early by a two-game suspension for breaching the CFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy, and it ultimately came to an abrupt end when he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 12.

Lions general manager Ryan Rigmaiden praised Teuhema’s long-term impact on the team, describing him as a foundational piece of the defence since his rookie season in 2022. Rigmaiden noted that Teuhema has developed into a well-rounded defensive end, capable of playing with physicality against the run while also applying consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He added that the club expects him to play a significant role on the defensive front this season.

Originally signing with B.C. in 2022, Teuhema has been a mainstay along the Lions’ defensive line over four seasons. The Keller, Texas native has appeared in 58 games, registering 110 defensive tackles, seven special-teams tackles, and 25 sacks during his CFL career.

Before arriving north of the border, Teuhema played college football at both Louisiana State University and Southeastern Louisiana University. After going undrafted, he continued his professional journey with the Arizona Hotshots in the Alliance of American Football, spent time on the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad, and later suited up for the Frisco Fighters in the Indoor Football League.

The Lions enjoyed a strong 2025 season, finishing second in the West Division with an 11-7 record. They defeated the Calgary Stampeders in the West Semi-Final before falling to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the West Final. Quarterback Nathan Rourke led the way offensively, throwing for 5,290 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions across 16 regular-season starts, earning CFL Most Outstanding Player honours.

As a team, B.C. ranked first in net offence, fourth in net defence, and sixth in turnover differential at minus-four. James Butler rushed for 1,213 yards, Keon Hatcher topped the league with 1,688 receiving yards, and Micah Awe led the CFL in tackles with 117. Off the field, the Lions also saw growth, finishing third in league attendance with an average crowd of 27,124—an increase of nearly one percent from the previous season.