BREAKING NEWS: BC Lions Announced The Departure Of Another Star
In December, a National Football League (NFL) team acquired Nathan Rourke, who hails from Victoria, off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rourke, a Canadian, has now officially rejoined the New England Patriots.
The Patriots announced Rourke’s signing to a one-year deal on Tuesday. Earlier reports this month had indicated that the former standout of the B.C. Lions had signed an exclusive rights free agent agreement with the Patriots.
New England picked up Rourke, who stands at six-foot-one and weighs 210 pounds, off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars back in December.
His role with the Patriots remains uncertain. While it’s been reported that New England has agreed to trade former starter Mac Jones to the Jaguars, they’ve also reportedly reached terms on a one-year contract with veteran free-agent quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
Brissett was originally selected by the Patriots in the third round of the 2016 draft and spent his rookie season with them before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts ahead of the 2017 season. Last season, Brissett appeared in three games with the Washington Commanders.
Additionally, the Patriots hold the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft and are anticipated to use it to select a quarterback.
Rourke was signed by Jacksonville as a free agent in January 2023, shortly after he was named the CFL’s top Canadian following his impressive 2022 season with B.C.
During his time with the Lions, Rourke threw for 3,349 yards and 25 touchdowns in 10 games, though his season was shortened due to a Lisfranc ligament sprain in his right foot. He also rushed for 304 yards and seven touchdowns, earning him the league’s top Canadian honors.