The BC Lions Football Club today announced that it has acquired the playing rights of national offensive lineman David Foucault (pronounced foo-Koh) along with international offensive lineman Vincent Brown from the Montreal Alouettes in exchange for international offensive lineman Jovan Olafioye and future considerations.
Foucault (6’8”, 315) was the Als’ first-round selection (fifth overall) in the 2014 CFL Draft. A standout at the University of Montreal, he signed as a free agent with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers in 2014. Making the club’s 53 man roster, the Quebec native appeared in five games that season seeing action at both right and left tackle. After spending all but one week of the 2015 season on the Panthers’ practice roster, he was waived during training camp last year.
“Acquiring David allows us to possibly develop a plan to play four Canadians along the offensive line and perhaps more importantly, it ensures there is a depth of talent backing up each position,” said GM and head coach Wally Buono. “He’s a former first-round draft choice with two years of NFL development, so we expect him to come in and compete at a very high level.”
Going to Montreal from the Leos is seven-year veteran Jovan Olafioye.
“Jovan was a big part of our team,” noted Buono. “He has been a true professional throughout his time with us and during this entire process. We wish him the very best as a member of the Alouettes.”
In addition to Foucault, the Lions pick up international offensive tackle Vincent Brown (6’6”, 350) who was originally signed by Montreal in 2015 during the CFL’s annual practice roster expansion period. The Florida native who spent his collegiate days at Southern Mississippi and Pittsburg State, saw action in the Als’ season finale that year and also attended training camp with the club in 2016.
“As we close in on training camp, we are determined to create the highest level of competition at every position on the field,” added Buono. “Vincent is a young lineman and he’s going to come in here and fight for a roster spot.”
The Lions will now begin the process of signing Foucault to a contract in time for their three-day mini-camp slated for April 26-28.