Lions part ways with 12-year veteran Ryan Phillips

For the first time in 12 seasons, Ryan Phillips will not be in the BC Lions' secondary come 2017.

The Lions announced Friday that Phillips and the club have agreed to part ways, meaning the team will have a significant hole to fill next season on both the depth chart and in the locker room.

"After a number of conversations with Ryan this offseason regarding his role in our defence, we have mutually decided at this time that the best path for both parties is to grant him free agent status," Lions general manager and head coach Wally Buono said Friday.

Over 12 seasons with the BC, Phillips appeared in 212 regular-season games, recording 47 interceptions and helping lead the Lions to two Grey Cup wins, in 2006 and 2011.

Phillips has also been named a CFL All-Star on five occasions and holds numerous Lions records including most single-season interceptions, most career defensive touchdowns, and most career interceptions returned for a touchdown.

"I have tremendous respect for Ryan and everything he has contributed to our organization during the past 12 years," Buono added. "Decisions like this are never easy and are made after careful consideration. We are extremely grateful for his service to the club both on and off the field and we wish him the very best."