There have to be a few less NFL fans west of the Canadian Rockies of late. Once again the Lions have lost a top player to the lures of the NFL. As we posted a couple days ago, Martell Mallett was given an opportunity by Wally Buono to test the NFL waters and Tuesday the CFL rookie of the year signed a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.

It marks the third player this off-season the Lions have lost to the NFL but make no mistake, this loss will be the toughest.

Mallett rushed for 1,280 yards and six touchdowns on 214 carries and an average of 5.8-yards per carry. He added 43 receptions for 342 yards and two touchdowns. Mallett was also named to the West Division All-Star team and also earned the 2009 CFL Most Outstanding Rookie award.

He joins Rolly Lumbala and Ryan Grice-Mullen as Lion losses  to the NFL this off-season. Of course Lions fans also felt the sting last year losing both defensive end Cameron Wake and running back Stefan Logan to the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers respectively.

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