Linebackers Hladik and Messam Ink Extensions with Lions
Published on January 19, 2026 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
B.C. Lions News Release
(Vancouver) - The BC Lions announced today that National linebackers Ben Hladik and Isaiah Messam have signed contract extensions with the team. Both players were eligible to become free agents on February 10.
Hladik (6'4, 235 lbs)- it's a two-year pact for the Vernon native and UBC Thunderbirds product, who is coming off a 2025 campaign where he suited up in all 18 regular season games with 47 defensive tackles, a career-high eight tackles on special teams, three pass breakups one sack and a forced fumble. He then added four defensive stops in two Grey Cup Playoff contests.
Selected by the Lions in round three (22nd overall) of the 2021 CFL Draft, Hladik has 84 regular season appearances under his belt and six more in the playoffs. He made history in 2023 by becoming the first Canadian Lion to record 100 defensive tackles in one season.
"Ben has consistently performed for BC since we drafted him in 2021," said general manager Ryan Rigmaiden.
"He's got the size, speed and instincts to make plays on defence and special teams."
Messam (6'1, 220 lbs)- is back with the squad on a one-year deal after a knee injury limited the veteran to only eight regular season games last season before a return for the Western Final at Saskatchewan. The former Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawk was selected in round four (34th overall) in 2018 and has recorded 38 defensive tackles, 54 special teams stops and one sack. A native of Hamilton, Messam enters 2026 just ten appearances shy of 100 as a Lion.
Canadian Football League Stories from January 19, 2026
- Riders Add Pass Rusher Desmond Evans - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Lions Extend Offensive Lineman Kory Woodruff Through 2027 - B.C. Lions
- Linebackers Hladik and Messam Ink Extensions with Lions - B.C. Lions
- Here to Stay: Riders Ink Receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker to Extension - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Tiger-Cats Re-Sign Offensive Lineman Jakub Szott, Add Receiver Trejan Bridges - Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Winnipeg Football Club Announces Installation of New High-Resolution Video Boards at Princess Auto Stadium - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Argos Ink DL Dewayne Hendrix & RB Peyton Logan; Add Global Draft Pick Soane Toia - Toronto Argonauts
- Stampeders Sign Former Gators Linebacker - Calgary Stampeders
- Blue Bombers Sign Kicker Sergio Castillo, Punter Jamieson Sheahan to Contract Extensions - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Brooks Staying with Stampeders - Calgary Stampeders
- Riders Extend Quarterback Jack Coan - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Canada Gold Named Official Precious Metals Partner of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for 2026 CFL Season - Hamilton Tiger-Cats
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