The BC Lions announced Saturday that they have acquired non-import offensive lineman Jesse Newman from the Calgary Stampeders.
In return the Stampeders will receive a second-round pick in the 2011 Canadian Draft as well as a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2012 Canadian Draft from the Lions.
The trade completes an odd start to the 2010 campaign for Newman who abruptly announced his retirement prior to the beginning of the season.
The Powell River native then had a change of heart and returned to the team following their bye week, but was not welcomed back with open arms as he had hoped.
The timing of the deal works out well for the Lions who lost centre Dean Valli, possibly for the season, to a broken leg during Friday's victory over Montreal.
Originally selected third overall by Calgary in the first round of the 2008 Canadian Draft, Newman made an immediate impact as a rookie, starting 15 consecutive regular season games at left guard and left tackle as well as the club's West Final and Grey Cup victories.
Along with Dimitri Tsoumpas, Newman was one of two first-year starters on an offensive line that helped pave the way for the CFL's leading rusher Joffrey Reynolds and ranked among league leaders in sacks allowed (30), average rushing yards per game (134.6) and average gain per rush (6.4).
In 2009, the Louisiana-Lafayette grad joined the starting lineup in Week 2 and manned the left guard position for 10 consecutive games before being sidelined by injury. He returned to action on Oct. 17 and started both of the Stampeders' playoff games.
With files from TSN.ca
