The B.C. Lions have released defensive lineman Gabriel Knapton.

The Lions needed a roster spot to activate linebacker Micah Awe.

Knapton played in eight games making 15 tackles and one sack for the Leos after being acquired in an off-season trade. B.C. traded Chris Williams to the Montreal Alouettes for Knapton last December.

The 29-year-old had spent four seasons in Montreal playing 68 regular-season games recording 175 tackles, 32 sacks and two forced fumbles.

General manager Ed Hervey swung a trade with the Toronto Argonauts for defensive end Shawn Lemon, who has two tackles and two sacks in three games since going to the Left coast, which likely made Knapton expendable. As a veteran player, Knapton’s salary would’ve been guaranteed after the Lions game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Week 11.

Argos GM Jim Popp brought Knapton into the CFL which could make the double blue a logical landing spot.