Sanchez Extends:

The BC Lions football club announced today that they’ve signed non-import cornerback Davis Sanchez to a contract extension through the 2013 season. The 36-year old Sanchez had a decent year for the Lions in 2010 before dislocating his elbow in week 16 to end his season. Sanchez gives the Lions some nice options on defence as far as ratios go, and is veteran leader in the secondary along with Dante Marsh, Korey Banks and Ryan Phllips.

Full release on the Sanchez signing can be found here.

Still Kicking

In other news, kicker Paul McCallum was paid his contractual bonus yesterday, meaning the Lions will keep on the roster for now. The club had asked McCallum to take a pay cut but the veteran Canadian kicker refused. As of now McCallum plans to get ready for training camp in June. It’s not known what Wally Buono has planned for his kickers, but he did indicate Sean Whyte was now number one on the depth chart. It’s unlikely Buono will want to start the year with a disgruntled kicker on the roster. Whyte has already informed the team he would prefer to be traded if he won’t be the guy in BC, while McCallum, who sells real estate in the lower mainland says he would only report to certain teams if dealt.

More on McCallum from Matt Sekeres at the Globe and Mail.

After losing some veteran talent in the secondary with the retirement of Barron Miles, the BC Lions decided to look to another veteran defensive back to plug into their defense come training camp in June. The Lions announced the signing of CFL veteran Davis Sanchez on Tuesday. Sanchez, who played with the Grey Cup champion Montreal Alouettes last season, had a clause in his contract that allowed him to try and get a deal closer to home after last season. When the chance came to sign with BC, Sanchez made use of the out.

Sanchez told BCLions.com that BC was his only choice.

“The Lions are the only team I wanted to play for this season and moving forward,” said Sanchez. “I have always respected this outstanding organization’s quality of coaches and players and I know I’m part of team that will be very difficult to play against.”

Sanchez will be 36 years old in August, and his role on the team is likely yet to be defined. His experience will be an asset, but his age and a good showing by younger talent at training camp could make this signing one to watch in Kamloops.

Davis Sanchez Career Stats – CFL.ca