The 28-year-old Betts, who was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player, had an impressive season with the B.C. Lions, recording a league-best 18 sacks in 18 games.

Betts, a Canadian-born player hailing from Montreal, made history with his impressive sack total, becoming the player with the most sacks in a season by a Canadian in CFL history. His exceptional performance caught the attention of NFL teams, as he was initially selected third overall by the Edmonton team in the 2019 CFL draft.

However, instead of pursuing a career in the CFL, Betts opted to sign with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent. Unfortunately, his time with the Bears was short-lived as he was eventually cut later that summer. Betts then returned to Canada and continued his football journey with the Edmonton team in 2019 and 2021 before joining the B.C. Lions in 2022-23.

The Detroit Lions recognized Betts' talent and potential, and they have now given him the opportunity to showcase his skills in the NFL. With their defensive line in need of reinforcement, the Lions are hopeful that Betts' pass-rushing abilities will make a significant impact on their defense.

As a reserve/futures contract, Betts' signing indicates that the Lions have high hopes for his future development. This type of contract allows teams to secure players for the upcoming season, giving them a chance to develop and potentially earn a spot on the active roster.

The addition of Mathieu Betts to the Detroit Lions roster adds depth and talent to their defense, and it will be interesting to see how the CFL star adapts to the NFL. Lions fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Betts as he works to make his mark in the National Football League.