Tiger-Cats trade veteran QB Dane Evans to Lions

Dane Evans's CFL career will continue on the West Coast.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats traded Evans to the B.C. Lions on Thursday for a conditional 2024 fourth-round draft pick. Evans was the Ticats' starter for their two Grey Cup losses to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2019, 2021).

The move comes just over a year after Hamilton opted to commit to Evans as their starter — signing a two-year deal — and allow Jeremiah Masoli to join the Ottawa Redblacks as a free agent. But the Ticats (8-10) finished third in the East Division last season before losing 28-17 to the Montreal Alouettes in the conference semifinal.

B.C.'s acquisition of Evans comes after the club gave veteran Vernon Adams Jr. a huge vote of confidence last month when Canadian Nathan Rourke signed with the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars. But Rick Campbell, the Lions' head coach/co-GM said Adams will remain the club's starter.

"We are thrilled to add someone of Dane's calibre to our quarterback room," Campbell said in a statement. "You can never have enough proven veterans at QB.

"Vernon Adams Jr. is our guy and our starter. Led by VA, the QB room will be a key component to our success in 2023."

The Lions and Ticats will meet twice this year. Hamilton will visit BC Place Stadium on Aug. 26 before the two teams play at Tim Hortons Field on Oct. 13.

In 2018, Adams and Evans were together in Hamilton, which tried converting the five-foot-11, 200-pound Adams to receiver. After being released by the Ticats, Adams signed with Montreal, where he started his CFL career in 2016.

"LETS GO!!!" Evans tweeted. "Ready to get to work with a new crew.

"Fresh start!! Let's get it fellas"

LETS GO!!! Ready to get to work with a new crew. Fresh start!! Let’s get it fellas <a