Lions sign Frank Alexander, two other American defensive players

Frank Alexander appeared in 29 games over four seasons with the Carolina Panthers. (Chuck Burton/AP)

VANCOUVER — Defensive lineman Frank Alexander, a three-time offender of the NFL’s drug policy, signed with the B.C. Lions on Tuesday.

The Lions also signed linebacker Micah Awe and defensive back Matt Smalley have signed with the team. All three players are Americans.

The six-foot-four, 270-pound Alexander appeared in 29 games over four seasons with the Carolina Panthers. But he was also suspended three times for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, including for a year without pay in November 2015.

Awe joins the Lions after spending time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2016. Smalley attended the New York Giants training camp last year.

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