A new quarterback signs with the British Columbia Lions

The British Columbia Lions have taken their first step toward strengthening their quarterback position.

The Canadian Football League team has added American veteran Logan Woodside to its exclusive negotiation list, as the team deals with the potential absence of its starting quarterback, Nathan Rourke.

Woodside, 31, is currently a free agent. In 2025, he was on the practice squads for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals, though he did not play in any NFL regular-season games.

The quarterback, a native of Frankfort, Kentucky, has an interesting background in professional football. Selected in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, he failed to earn a spot on the team after training camp. He then briefly served on the Tennessee Titans' practice squad.

Woodside, however, revived his career in 2019 with the San Antonio Commanders in the Alliance of American Football. He started eight games, completing 116 of 201 passes for 1,385 yards, seven touchdowns, and eight interceptions. His record as a starter was five wins and three losses.

A potential reinforcement as the Lions deal with the absence of Nathan Rourke

His performances in the AAF opened the door to new opportunities in the NFL. He has played for the Titans, the Atlanta Falcons, and the Bengals. In his NFL career, Woodside never made a start, but he appeared in 13 games, completing four of his seven passes for 34 yards and one interception. He also rushed for 10 yards on 14 carries.

Before turning pro, Woodside had distinguished himself with the University of Toledo Rockets. In 43 college games, including 38 starts, he threw for 10,514 yards, 93 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions. He was named to the Mid-American Conference First Team All-Conference squad twice and won the conference's Most Valuable Player award in 2017.

Woodside's addition comes at a difficult time for the Lions. Nathan Rourke left the last game against the Edmonton Elks due to a left shoulder injury. Although this injury is not expected to end his season, the organization must plan for a backup since CFL teams are required to have three quarterbacks on their roster.

Currently, Chase Brice and rookie Kaidon Salter are the only two quarterbacks under contract with the British Columbia-based team.

The Lions, who hold a 1-4 record, will look to get back on the winning track on Saturday, July 25, when they host the Toronto Argonauts.

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