Lions' Mallett flies south to join NFL's Eagles

The BC Lions will have to do without their top rusher when they hit the gridiron this season.

Running back Martell Mallett, the Canadian Football League's reigning rookie of the year, signed Tuesday with the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles.

The Lions allowed Mallett to opt out of the second year of his contract to sign with the Eagles even though it was not an option year.

Mallett finished fourth in league rushing in 2009 with 1,240 yards and six touchdowns.

Last off-season the Lions lost starters Cam Wake (defensive lineman) to Miami and Stefan Logan (kick returner) to Pittsburgh.

Mallett becomes the 12th CFL player to sign with an NFL team this winter.

- With files from TSN.ca

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  B.C. Lions' Martell Mallett celebrates after rushing for a 54 yard gain during second half CFL action against the Montreal Alouettes in Vancouver, B.C., on Friday September 4, 2009. B.C. scored the game-winning touchdown on the following play. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck