The B.C. Lions re-signed offensive lineman Michael Couture to a two-year contract extension through the 2027 season, and signed linebacker Darnell Sankey to a one-year contract on Friday.
Michael Couture is six foot four and weighs 295 pounds. The 31-year-old from Burnaby, British Columbia, re-signed with the B.C. Lions on February 7, 2025. In 2025, Couture started 12 games at center. B.C.’s offense averaged 29.8 points per game, 430.2 net offense per game, 113.4 rushing yards per game, 325.4 passing yards per game, 59 touchdowns, and allowed 20 sacks.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers drafted Couture in the second round (10th pick) in the 2016 CFL Draft. He played 93 games for the Blue Bombers, helping them win two Grey Cup championships in 2019 and 2021 over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The B.C. Lions signed Couture on February 15, 2023. In 2023, B.C.’s offense finished third in average offense points (26.1), touchdowns (45), average net offense (371.2), first in average passing yards (315.1), ninth in average rushing yards (77.3), and sixth in sacks allowed (53).
In 2024, Couture started 12. He missed most of the season with a lower back injury. In 2024, B.C.’s offense averaged 24.9 points per game, 364.0 net offense per game, 101 yards per game, 283.3 passing yards per game, 42 touchdowns, and allowed 43 sacks.
Collegiately, Couture played four seasons at Simon Fraser University (2012-15), playing 36 games at four different positions for the Red Leafs. In 2015, Simon Fraser averaged 14.78 points per game, 85.8 rushing yards per game, 223.0 passing yards per game, 308.8 total yards per game, 16 touchdowns, and allowed 26 sacks, finishing 0-9 for the season. He was named a two-time Great Northwest Athletic Conference All-Star (2014-15).
Darnell Sankey is six foot one and weighs 246 pounds. The 31-year-old from San Jose, California, made 101 tackles, two tackles on special teams, and two sacks in 18 games in 2025. The Montreal Alouettes released him on December 11, 2025.
The Denver Broncos signed Sankey as an undrafted free agent on July 26, 2016. He also spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, and New Orleans Saints.
Next, Sankey made his way to the CFL by signing with the Calgary Stampeders on February 6, 2020. However, the season was canceled due to COVID-19. He would return to the Stampeders in 2021 with 97 tackles, one tackle on special teams, one sack, and one forced fumble in 14 games. He was named a CFL West All-Star after the season.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed Sankey on February 8, 2022. In 2022, he made 120 tackles, two tackles on special teams, three sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles in 18 games, setting a new franchise record in tackles.
Then, Sankey signed with the Arlington Renegades on February 15, 2023. In 2023, he made 47 tackles (20 solos, 27 assists), three tackles for loss, and one sack in eight games, helping the Renegades win the 2023 XFL Championship over the D.C. Defenders. He requested and was granted his release on August 1, 2023.
The Montreal Alouettes signed Sankey on September 10, 2023. In 2023, he made 31 tackles, one sack, one interception, and two forced fumbles in six games, helping them win the 110th Grey Cup over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
In 2024, Sankey made 107 tackles, one sack, one interception, and three forced fumbles in 18 games. He was named a CFL East All-Star after the season.
Collegiately, Sankey played four seasons at Sacramento State (2012-15) with 330 tackles (124 solos, 206 assists), 27.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, one interception for 59 yards, one touchdown, ten pass breakups, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 43 games for the Hornets. He was named First Team FCS All-American in 2015.
