Lions trade Vernon Adams' rights to Alouettes

Vernon Adams said Sunday he was likely headed to Vancouver after failing to secure an NFL contract, but he might want to change those plans.

The BC Lions announced Friday that they have traded the former Oregon quarterback's rights to the Montreal Alouettes in exchange for a 2017 first-round draft pick, after the Lions and Adams failed to come to terms on a contract.

"Both sides negotiated in good faith, but in the end it became clear that we weren't going to be able to meet Vernon's expectations as they relate to length of contract and remuneration," said Lions general manager Wally Buono. "We've got very good depth at the quarterback position, so being able to turn this asset into a first-round pick in next year's CFL Draft is a win for the Lions."

Buono previously said he was keeping a spot for Adams open on the club's training-camp roster, though where the 23-year-old stood in the team's long-term visions appeared murky at best. BC already has Travis Lulay and Jonathon Jennings locked up for the next two seasons, and Adams has been clear about his desire to work his way back south of the border.

Meanwhile, the Alouettes surrender a first-round pick with the expectation they'll be able to work out a deal with Adams, and the hope that he'll become their quarterback of the future. Montreal has been searching for quarterback stability since Anthony Calvillo hung up the spikes following the 2013 season.

Adams became a rookie free agent in the NFL after failing to hear his name called in the 2016 NFL Draft. As a senior at Oregon, the dual-threat signal-caller tossed for 2,643 yards, 26 touchdowns, and six interceptions in a season shortened somewhat by injury.