Nathan Rourke will soon become a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The 24-year-old quarterback from Victoria, British Columbia, announced on Twitter on Sunday that he will soon sign a contract with the National Football League outfit.
The Jaguars are one of 12 NFL organizations Rourke has practiced with after completing the 2022 season with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League.
The others are Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Denver Colts. ‘Indianapolis, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Arizona Cardinals.
Rourke reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with the Jaguars. Financial details of the contract – and what portion of the pact is guaranteed – were not immediately made available. The minimum salary in the NFL in 2023 will be US$750,000.
Rourke is expected to initial his NFL contract Sunday night.
Rourke, a six-foot-two, 209-pound athlete, had a year left on his CFL contract, but he had the option of signing with an NFL club during the window set aside for such negotiations.
Rourke was passed over in the 2021 NFL Draft after his college career with Ohio. He then signed a contract with the Lions, who had requested him in the second round, 15e in total, in the 2020 CFL Draft.
After making two starts with the Lions in his rookie season, Rourke shined in 2022. He had six games with at least 300 yards passing – including three with over 400 yards – and he helped the Lions to build an 8-1 record. Rourke, however, suffered a right foot injury that required surgery and limited his number of games.
He returned to action in the final game of the regular season and helped the Lions (12-6) beat the Calgary Stampeders 30-16 in the Western Division semi-final.
The Lions’ season ended with a 28-20 loss in the West Final to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.