Calgary Stampeders acquire QB Vernon Adams Jr. in trade with B.C. Lions

The Calgary Stampeders acquired quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. from the B.C. Lions, the CFL club announced Tuesday.

The Stampeders also received the Lions’ fourth-round selection (32nd overall) in the 2025 CFL draft and a third-round pick in 2026.

The Lions received Calgary’s second- and fourth-round picks (ninth and 29th overall) in 2025 and its second-round pick in 2026.

“I am super excited to be a Stampeder,” Adams said in a statement. “I’ve always wanted to play for (head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson) and an organization like Calgary — so much rich history and culture.”

Adams also said he was “pumped” to be reunited with Stampeders quarterbacks coach Beau Baldwin.

Baldwin coached Adams for three seasons at Eastern Washington University.

The move clears up the quarterback situation in B.C., which has decided to move on with Nathan Rourke under centre. And it gives Calgary a proven performer to lead its offence as it looks to rebuild from a dismal 2024 campaign.

“On behalf of the entire organization, I thank Vernon for his outstanding work and professionalism on and off the field these past three years,” incoming Lions GM Ryan Rigmaiden said in a release.

Adams had a stellar start this past season for the Lions before sustaining a knee injury in an Aug. 1 loss to Winnipeg.

5:02 BC Lions sign QB Vernon Adams Jr. to contract extension

• BC Lions sign QB Vernon Adams Jr. to contract extension
• Vernon Adams Jr. hosts off-season mini-training camp for BC Lions teammates
• Montreal Alouettes’ Vernon Adams Junior on 2019 season

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Rourke, who won the CFL’s most outstanding Canadian award with the Lions in 2022, signed with the team a couple weeks later.

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His second stint with the club came after he tried to catch on in the NFL. When Adams recovered, the Lions continued to go with Rourke despite his struggles.

2:08 BC Lions Nathan Rourke is making his great-grandma proud

• BC Lions Nathan Rourke is making his great-grandma proud
• Nathan Rourke coming back to play with BC Lions
• BC Lions Quarterback Nathan Rourke
• Nathan Rourke ready for first season as starter

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Adams returned to start the Lions’ final game of the season, a win over the Montreal Alouettes, as well as B.C.’s loss to Saskatchewan in the West Division semifinal.

Adams had a 6-3 record as a starter for the Lions (9-9) in 2024 and completed 197 of 302 passes for 2,929 yards and 16 touchdowns.

The quarterback from Pasadena, Calif., has posted a 38-22 record as a starter. He has thrown for 6,190 yards and 96 touchdowns and rushed for 1,644 yards and 24 TDs over eight seasons with B.C., Montreal and Saskatchewan.

“We’re excited to bring Vernon to Calgary,” Dickenson said. “We know he is a dynamic player and great leader and we look forward to him bringing his big talents to the Red and White.”

Calgary, with Jake Maier under centre, posted a 5-12-1 record this past season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2004.

In Maier’s 15 starts, he ranked fourth among quarterbacks in yards (3,841) and third in touchdowns (22), but he was also third in interceptions (22) and well down the list in efficiency among starters (97.7 per cent).

1:46 QB Jake Maier focused on bounce back year with Calgary Stampeders

Matthew Shiltz took over starting duties late in the season and led the Stamps’ offence in two straight games before a neck injury ruled him out of Calgary’s season finale in Regina. Logan Bonner also started Sept. 6 in place of Maier.