The BC Lions have inked pending free agent quarterback Travis Lulay to a 2-year contract ahead of the start of free agency on Tuesday.
The return of Lulay is big on two fronts. It gives the Lions an experienced backup quarterback to sophomore Jonathan Jennings who is pencilled in as the starter, and also provides him with a trusted mentor to continue his development.
Lulay and Jennings have an outstanding relationship and the veteran received heaps of praise from Jennings last season for how supportive he was during last year’s transition.
“I have truly loved every moment of my time with the Lions and I’m ecstatic to be staying in BC,” said Lulay in a statement. “We have great opportunity to be a very competitive team in 2016 and I’m excited to get to work.”
The Lions will tell you training camp will decide who their starter is, but barring a tremendous flop by Jennings, he will be the man. He transformed a struggling passing attack last year to a dynamic one, and at 23 years of age, the future is bright if he can build on that success last season.
Lulay will be the security blanket, the extra set of eyes on the sideline, or that guy who can spell off Jennings for a few series if he needs to see some things for himself.
Terms of the deal have not been released, but it’s generally felt that Lulay re-signed to a cap friendly number with the Leos who also may have discussed a future coaching role with the 2011 CFL MOP, following a similar path that has seen Dave Dickenson become the head coach of the Calgary Stampeders.
The signing was valuable for not only the Lions, but the community as well, where Lulay is a tireless ambassador for the Lions.