The BC Lions are trading linebacker Jordan Williams to the Toronto Argonauts for the ninth overall pick in the 2023 CFL Draft, the Argos announced Thursday.
Williams, the No. 1 pick in the 2020 draft, had 181 tackles, 12 special teams tackles, one sack, one interception, and three forced fumbles in 32 games with the Lions. He was named Most Outstanding Rookie after his debut campaign.
The East Carolina product started at both middle and weak-side linebacker for BC in 2022. Toronto's incumbent middle linebacker, Henoc Muamba, is slated to become a free agent on Feb. 14. Muamba was named the MVP and Most Valuable Canadian of the 109th Grey Cup game.
BC traded away its first-round pick in the midseason acquisition of quarterback Vernon Adams. The Lions made the move after Nathan Rourke, now a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, went down with injury.
Williams is considered a National player despite his American upbringing. His mother was born in Toronto, and he subsequently qualified for Canadian citizenship.
The 28-year-old is due to become a free agent in 2023 and will likely require a lucrative extension if he's to stay beyond the upcoming season.