The BC Lions announced on Thursday the signing of American running back Peyton Barber. On Friday, the Lions announced the extension of starting center Michael Couture through the 2027 season. Couture was previously set to become a free agent in February had a deal not been reached.
Michael Couture – Simon Fraser (6’4, 302 lbs)
Michael Couture joined the BC Lions ahead of the 2023 season and has played in 42 regular seasons since, all of which he started in. This past season, the Lions allowed a CFL-low of 20 sacks and set a new pro football record of 8.04 yards per play.
“Mike was a big part of the gelling of our offensive line this past season,” Stated Lions General Manager Ryan Rigmaiden. His veteran presence, leadership and intelligence were all on display every day, both on and off the field. We’re happy to have him back in the fold.”
Couture entered the CFL in 2016 with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a 2nd round draft pick, 10th overall. He played in 93 regular-season games with 38 starts for the Bombers from 2016 to 2022. He started in every game over the 2019 and 2021 seasons for Winnipeg.
Couture played collegiately for Simon Fraser from 2012 to 2015, where he was named a Great Northern Athletic Conference All-Star in his final 2 seasons at tackle and center.
Peyton Barber – (5’11, 225 lbs)
Peyton Barber will begin his CFL chapter with 6 seasons of NFL experience under his belt. The 31-year old running back is signing his first pro contract since 2021.
“Peyton is a big, physical runner who is built for Buck Pierce’s offence. We’re all looking forward to seeing what he can do when we get to Kamloops in May,” stated Lions’ GM Ryan Rigmaiden.
Barber began his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent out of Auburn in 2016, where he spent his first 4 seasons. He played in 63 regular-season games with Tampa with 28 starts. He played for Washington in 2020, where he played in 16 games with 2 starts. He last played for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, appearing in 10 games with 1 start.
Barber has played in 89 NFL regular-season games, rushing 700 times for 2,457 yards (3.51 average) and 21 touchdowns. He has also caught 71 passes for 428 yards and 2 touchdowns.
He played in 19 games for Auburn from 2014 to 2015 after redshirting in 2013. He had a breakout season in 2015, rushing 237 times for 1,016 yards (4.29 average) and 13 touchdowns. He added 11 receptions for 112 yards.