The BC Lions announced on Tuesday they have signed Canadian linebacker Ben Hladik to a 2-year extension keeping him with the club through 2025. Hladik would have become a free agent on February 13 had a contract not been signed.
LB Ben Hladik – UBC (24 y/o, 6’4, 235 lbs)
Hladik joined the Lions after being drafted in the third round of the 2021 CFL Draft 22nd overall. In 2021 he played in 14 regular season games and made 6 defensive tackles.
Hladik elevated to become a starting middle linebacker for the Lions in 2022. He played in all 18 regular season games with 12 starts and started in both playoff games. He made 59 defensive tackles, 6 special teams tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 interceptions in 2022. He added 9 tackles over the 2 playoff games.
Hladik became the first Canadian to record over 100 tackles in a season for the BC Lions over the 2023 season. He started all 18 regular season games at middle linebacker and accumulated 101 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 passes defended, and an interception. Unfortunately, he was injured early in the playoffs and was unable to participate in the Western Final against Winnipeg as a result. He was named to the Pro Football Focus Team of the Week 3 times in 2023.
Prior to joining the Lions, Hladik played in 28 games for the UBC Thunderbirds from 2017 to 2019. He accumulated 124 solo tackles, 65 assisted tackles, 28 tackles for a loss, 7 sacks, 6 passes defended, an interception, and a touchdown. He was the Canada West Defensive Player of the Year in 2018 and was twice U Sports All-Canadian.
Jonathan Clink on Twitter
BC Lions Sign William Stanback; Lions Must Commit to the Run Game in 2024
BC Lions Re-Sign DB Marcus Sayles, OL David Knevel
BC Lions Sign LB Tyrell Adams and DB Justin Ford
BC Lions Sign DB Parnell Motley and OL James Moore
BC Lions Extend LB Josh Woods and DT Tibo Debaillie, Sign DE Tipa Galeai
BC Lions Sign Central Michigan DB Ronald Kent Jr.
BC Lions Sign 2 American Defensive Players
BC Lions Sign American DB Denzel Williams
BC Lions Extend Canadian Bulldozing Receiver Jevon Cottoy Through 2026
BC Lions Re-Sign Star Receiver Alexander Hollins, Release Dominique Rhymes
BC Lions Sign 2021 First Round Pick Daniel Joseph
BC Lions Re-Sign Punter Stefan Flintoft for 2024 Season
BC Lions Bolster Training Camp Roster, Former Eagles WR Travis Fulgham
