Photo courtesy: Idaho Athletics
The B.C. Lions have added American quarterback Joshua Wood to their exclusive negotiation list.
The six-foot-three, 215-pound dual-threat pivot is entering his final season of eligibility at the University of Idaho, though he could have the option to apply for an additional year through a medical redshirt. He took over as the Vandals’ starting QB in 2025, completing 152-of-260 passes (58 percent) for 1,898 yards, 14 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while rushing for 589 yards and seven touchdowns on 89 carries.
Wood transferred after spending his first three seasons at Fresno State University. He appeared in 13 games for the Bulldogs, all in 2024, connecting on 18-of-28 passes for 195 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The Graham, Wash., native also ran 37 times for 118 yards and six touchdowns.
CFL teams can claim the rights to up to 45 players via the negotiation list on a first-come, first-served basis, provided that they are not eligible for the Canadian or Global Drafts, and have never played in the league before. These players can be added, traded, or removed from the list at any time.
Being added to a negotiation list does not mean that the player has expressed interest in the CFL, and some are unaware that their rights have even been claimed. Players can only force their removal from the list if the team does not provide them with a minimum contract offer at their request.
The B.C. Lions signed defensive lineman Casey Sayles and linebacker Darnell Sankey after they were released by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Montreal Alouettes, respectively, though the team was relatively inactive in free agency. The team’s major departure was All-CFL offensive lineman Jarell Broxton, who signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The Lions hold the seventh overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, at 7:00 p.m. EDT. All CFL training camps are scheduled to open on May 10. B.C. will play its first preseason game against the Edmonton Elks on Saturday, May 23, and its first regular-season game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday, June 13.
In 2025, B.C. finished second in the West Division standings with an 11-7 record. They beat the Calgary Stampeders in the West Semi-Final but lost the West Final to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Franchise quarterback Nathan Rourke threw for 5,290 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions to be named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player.
