The first budget-trimming occurs in the secondary, with the release of Kornegay.
BCLions.com Staff
The BC Lions Football Club announced this morning that import defensive lineman and CFL All-Star Khalif Mitchell has re-signed with the team.
“It’s great news for our club, our fans and our league that Khalif has agreed to remain with the Lions,” said GM and VP, football operations Wally Buono. “Khalif is a great player on the field and a dynamic personality that many of our fans have grown to love.”
“Khalif was an impact player and big part of our championship last season, said head coach Mike Benevides. “Given the choices he had, I believe this signing says a lot about our league and our organization and I am very pleased to have him back.”
Mitchell originally signed with the Lions in the late stages of the 2010 season and was set to contribute to the club’s defensive line from a back-up spot in 2011. With injuries to fellow defensive lineman Eric Taylor midway through the 2011 campaign, Mitchell got his chance as a regular starter in Week 7 and was a significant part of the Lions’ dominant defensive front that rung up 54 sacks.
“It’s a great feeling to know that I am returning to the organization that gave me an opportunity to develop into the player I am today,” said Mitchell. “There were choices out there, but in the end I want to be a Lion, I want to be part of this league and I want to spend more time in BC. We have amazing players on both sides of the ball and a very good chance to repeat as champions.”
Finishing the season with 33 tackles and six sacks, Mitchell along with linemates Aaron Hunt and Keron Williams earned both West Division All-Star status and a league-wide reputation for relentless effort on every play. The Virginia native also added two defensive tackles and two sacks in the postseason.
The Lions also announced that defensive back Tad Kornegay has been released.