Lions release Bighill for shot at NFL

The BC Lions released Adam Bighill on Friday in order for the All-Star linebacker to pursue potential NFL opportunities.

Part of the deal Bighill signed with the Lions in February 2015 included a clause that would open up a short-term window to allow him to investigate if options existed for him in the NFL.

"When we did the extension last year, one of the things Adam wanted to keep alive was a possible window to see what opportunities there would be in the NFL," Lions head coach and general manager Wally Buono told the club’s website. "When we negotiated the contract we thought it was good for him, it was good for us to get what we needed."

Bighill now has until Jan. 27, 2017 to work out a deal with an NFL team. If he does not sign within that time, he will remain under contract with the Lions until the end of the 2018 season.

"I am grateful for the club's understanding that as a professional football player, father and husband, I want to maximize my career potential," said Bighill. "I want to make it very clear to our incredible fans however, that I love being a BC Lion and if nothing comes to fruition in the NFL, I will be ecstatic to return to the club."

Bighill was second on the Lions last season with 108 tackles and was named a CFL All-Star for the fourth time in his career. He has totaled 489 tackles, 33 sacks, and eight interceptions over his six-year career.