The BC Lions made 2 key extensions to open the week by extending American offensive lineman Chris Schleuger through 2027 on Monday and Canadian kicker Sean Whyte through 2026 on Tuesday.

Both players were set to become free agents in February without a deal.

OL Chris Schleuger – Alabama-Birmingham (6’4, 305 lbs)

Chris Schleuger started in 14 regular-season games and both playoff games at right tackle this past season for the Lions. 

“Whether at guard or tackle, ‘Slug’ has performed well since he arrived in 2023,” stated Lions’ General Manager Ryan Rigmaiden. “His versatility, grit and toughness give offensive line coach Paul Charbonneau another reliable option no matter where he plays.”

Schleuger joined the Lions ahead of the 2023 season, which saw him start 1 game in 2023 and 9 games in 2024. His CFL career began in 2019 with Montreal, which saw him start in 13 games. He appeared in 9 games with Montreal over the 2021 and 2022 seasons, appearing in 9 games with 5 starts.

He began his college career at Iowa Western Community College before playing for Northern Iowa. He played for Alabama-Birmingham from 2016 to 2017, where he had 11 starts at left guard in 2017.

He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018, where he played in the preseason and spent some time on the practice squad.

K Sean Whyte – South Fraser Rams Jrs (5’9, 187 lbs)

Sean Whyte will return to his hometown team for his 9th season as a Lion and 19th overall in the CFL. He made 39 of his 41 field goals this past season, leading the CFL in field goal percentage at 95.1. He was named a West Division All-Star for the third season in a row.

Whyte is currently the all-time leader in field goal accuracy at 88.1%, having made 557 of his 627 field goals. Whyte is 9th all-time in field goals in the CFL and 9th in career points with 2,282 career points.

Whyte’s career began with BC, where he played from 2009 to 2010. He played for Montreal from 2011-2015, Edmonton from 2016 to 2021, and BC from 2022 to 2025.

Since rejoining the Lions in 2022, he has made 94% of his field goals. He has been named a CFL All-Star 2 times, West Division All-Star 3 times, East Division All-Star in 2013, and won a Grey Cup in 2015 with Edmonton.

Ringing in the New Year Right: BC Lions Extend DT Tavai (2 Years), CB Peters & DE Teuhema