BC Lions Shake Up Roster: Dejon Allen Parting Ways with Vancouver
In a move that has caught the attention of football fans across the league, the BC Lions officially announced on Thursday the release of American offensive lineman Dejon Allen. This decision marks a significant shift in the Lions’ offensive line strategy as they navigate the current season.
Allen’s tenure in Vancouver was brief but highly anticipated. The Lions had acquired him in a high-profile trade with the Toronto Argonauts back in January 2025. To bring the star lineman on board, BC sent National linebacker Ryder Varga and a second-round selection in the 2026 CFL Canadian Draft to Toronto.
A Legacy of Dominance: Dejon Allen’s Accolades
Despite his departure from the Lions, there is no denying that Dejon Allen has been one of the most formidable forces in the trenches over the last few years. His track record in the Canadian Football League is nothing short of elite.
During his career, Allen achieved several prestigious milestones, including:
- Two-time Grey Cup Champion: Lifting the trophy in 2022 and 2024.
- Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award: Winning the league’s top honor for his position in 2023.
- All-CFL Selection: Named to the All-CFL team twice (2023, 2024).
- East Division All-CFL: A consistent powerhouse, receiving this honor for three consecutive years (2022-2024).
Allen’s statistical dominance was most evident in 2023, where he allowed a league-low 11 quarterback pressures across 499 pass block situations, helping the Argonauts maintain the lowest sack total in the league.
The Road to Professional Football: From Hawaii to the CFL
The 32-year-old Los Angeles native built his foundation at the University of Hawaii. Between 2014 and 2017, Allen was a standout for the Rainbow Warriors, earning two offensive MVP awards and allowing only a single sack throughout his collegiate career.
His professional journey was a testament to perseverance:
- NFL Aspirations: He signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and later spent a brief period in the Green Bay Packers’ training camp.
- The XFL Experience: In 2020, Allen sharpened his skills in the XFL, playing for both the St. Louis BattleHawks and the New York Guardians.
- CFL Breakthrough: He eventually moved north to join the Argonauts before the 2021 campaign, where he truly cemented his status as a star.
While injuries limited his appearances to 10 games during his time with the BC Lions, Dejon Allen leaves a lasting impression on the game with his versatility at both left and right tackle. The CFL community will be watching closely to see where this decorated veteran lands next.
