David Chidley/CFL.ca
VANCOUVER — The BC Lions announced Tuesday that they have granted early free agent status to punter Richie Leone, effectively enabling him to sign with an NFL club.
The Lions’ place kicker and punter was due to become a free agent on Feb. 14.
“We thank Richie for his contributions to our team over the past two years. He brought excitement to our kicking game and we wish him the very best in his future football endeavors,” said GM and head coach Wally Buono.
Leone led the CFL with a 49.3-yard average on punts, emerging as arguably the league’s top player at his positions. He struggled in place kicking duties however, converting on just 68.6 per cent of his tries before being replaced by Paul McCallum late in the season.
