The British Columbia Lions announced Wednesday they have signed wide receiver Derick Armstrong and offensive tackle Damane Duckett.

Armstrong did not play last season after being released by Winnipeg last July, when he reportedly refused to play in the Blue Bombers' season-opener. He had spent the 2007 and '08 seasons with Winnipeg, recording at least 1,000 receiving yards in each and earning an All-Star selection in 2007.

Prior to that, Armstrong spent three seasons with the NFL's Houston Texans and made 45 catches for 605 yards and two touchdowns.

The 30-year-old broke into professional football with Saskatchewan in 2001. In five seasons in the CFL with the Roughriders and Blue Bombers, Armstrong has totaled 289 receptions for 3,994 yards and 20 TDs.

"Derick is an explosive receiver who can play multiple positions and adds a veteran presence," said Lions offensive coordinator Jacques Chapdelaine. "I look forward to seeing what he can bring to our offense."

Duckett, 29, joined the Lions last September after spending time in the NFL. He entered professional football as a defensive lineman, but converted to the other side while with the San Francisco 49ers.