Lions sign Lulay to contract extension

Quarterback Travis Lulay says he’s relieved to sign a one-year deal with the B.C. Lions but isn’t sure if he will have recovered from off-season knee surgery in time for the start of training camp.

“To know the Lions value having me back, and I have an opportunity to play another year for the franchise ... that’s a relief and an encouraging thing,” Lulay said in a telephone interview Monday.

Lulay said his recovery is “on track.”

“Everyone is encouraged,” he said. “That being said, there is a lot of work ahead.

“I’m not afraid of the work, I just know there is plenty ahead.”

Lulay, a former CFL most outstanding player, was scheduled to become a free agent today. An agreement was reached after he sat down with new Lions’ general manager Ed Hervey last week.

“If you get to free agency that just creates more days of unknown,” said Lulay. “I wasn’t necessarily scared of that day.”

Lions head coach Wally Buono said Lulay is valuable both as a player and a leader in the dressing room.

“Travis is a very important part of our team,” Buono said in a statement. “We saw last season that, when called upon, he can still be an elite quarterback in our league. He is a tremendous leader and we are extremely pleased to have him back in 2018.”

Lulay’s career was put in jeopardy when he suffered a season-ending injury in a Sept. 8 game against Montreal. He underwent surgery to repair the meniscus and reconstruct the ACL in his right knee.