Draft
Round
-
February 17, 2011

Cats continue free agent frenzy

THE CANADIAN PRESS

HAMILTON — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats signed three more players Thursday after making a splash on the opening day of the CFL’s free agency season.

Many free agents have already signed but there are still some big names out there click here to see the status of your team’s free agents.

Hamilton added linebacker Renauld Williams, running back Daryl Stephenson and offensive lineman Wayne Smith. They join a roster that was bolstered by the addition of all-star running back Avon Cobourne on Wednesday.

The six-foot, 228-pound Williams had 98 defensive tackles and 29 special teams tackles in three seasons with Saskatchewan. He added six quarterback sacks, five forced fumbles, one interception and one blocked punt in 31 regular season games.

“We’re thrilled to sign a player of Renauld’s calibre to our defence,” general manager Bob O’Billovich said in a release. “He’s an explosive player, and his addition will provide our exceptional group of linebackers with another outstanding athlete.”

Stephenson, a six-foot-two, 228-pound native of London, Ont., rushed for 49 yards through three seasons in Winnipeg. He won a Hec Crighton award as the top player in Canadian university football in 2006 with Windsor.

Smith, a six-foot-two, 305-pound Toronto native, was originally selected by the Ticats with the first overall pick in the 2004 CFL Canadian draft.

He played three seasons in Hamilton before being dealt to Saskatchewan prior to the 2007 season. Smith earned a Grey Cup ring with the Riders that year.

“We’re excited to bring Wayne back to Hamilton, as he’s very athletic and can play multiple positions along the offensive line,” O’Billovich said. “He’s also an outstanding character guy that will make a positive contribution off of the field as well.”