The B.C. Lions signed linebacker Parker McKenna and released offensive lineman Tyler Packer and defensive lineman Anthony Bennett on Tuesday according to the CFL Transactions page.
Parker McKenna is six foot and weighs 225 pounds. A native of Beaverton, Oregon, McKenna began his collegiate career at Portland State University (2020-23) with 190 tackles (109 solos, 81 assists), 15 tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception for 19 yards, five pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 26 games for the Vikings.
In 2021, he made 81 tackles (46 solos, 35 assists), four tackles for loss, one sack, one pass breakup, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He was named an All-Big Sky Honorable Mention in 2023 after finishing the season with 75 tackles (38 solos, 37 assists), nine tackles for loss, one interception, and four pass breakups in 11 games.
Then, he transferred to Washington State University (2024-25) with 122 tackles (74 solos, 48 assists), six tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception, three pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 25 games for the Cougars.
In 2025, he was named the Pac-12 Conference Defensive Performer after finishing the season with a career-high 83 tackles (48 solos, 35 assists), five tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, two pass breakups, and one fumble recovery in 12 games.
Tyler Packer is six foot six and weighs 315 pounds. The 26-year-old from Calgary, Alberta, was drafted by the B.C. Lions in the sixth round (51st pick) in the 2021 CFL Draft. Packer played 19 games in four seasons in B.C. In 2025, Packer appeared in three games.
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.
Collegiately, Packer played four seasons at the University of Calgary (2017-21), playing right tackle in 37 games for the Dinos. He was the first Dino rookie to start at tackle since former Lion Kirby Fabien in 2009. In addition, he helped the Dinos win the 2019 Vanier Cup, which was their first title since 1995, and was named Canada West Rookie of the Year in 2017 and a Canada West All-Star in 2018.
Anthony Bennett is six foot three and weighs 230 pounds. The 29-year-old from Weston, Florida, signed with the Montreal Alouettes on February 18, 2025. He attended training camp and was released on May 10, 2025. The Ottawa Redblacks signed Bennett on June 17, 2025. In 2025, he made two tackles on special teams in two games. The Redblacks released him on July 16, 2025.
The B.C. Lions signed Bennett to the practice squad on August 11, 2025. He appeared in four games for the Lions with one tackle on special teams. The Lions released him on November 9, 2025. The Lions re-signed Bennett on November 24, 2025.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers drafted Bennett in the first round (8th pick) of the 2023 CFL Draft. He signed with the Blue Bombers on May 5, 2023. In 2023, he made eight tackles and three tackles on special teams in 18 games. The Blue Bombers released him on May 12, 2024.
Bennett played two seasons at the University of Regina (2021-22) with 63 tackles (39 solos, 24 assists), 20 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, one interception for 28 yards, one touchdown, two pass breakups, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 14 games.
In 2022, Bennett made 38 tackles (22 solos, 16 assists), 12.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, one interception for 28 yards, one touchdown, one pass breakup, and one fumble recovery in nine games. He was named U SPORTS First-Team All-Canadian and Canada West All-Star in 2022.
