CFL.ca Staff

HAMILTON and EDMONTON -- The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced today that the team has acquired import wide receiver Maurice Mann from the Edmonton Eskimos in exchange for import defensive back Chris Thompson.

Mann, a 6-2, 190-pound native of Seaside, California was named a CFLPA All-Star last season after hauling in 73 passes for 917 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games with the Eskimos.  The Nevada product suited up for 25 games over the past three seasons with the Esks, racking up 113 receptions for 1,464 yards and 10 touchdowns.

"Maurice provides our offence with an experienced wideout with size," said General Manager Bob O'Billovich.  "He's been productive throughout his CFL career and has shown an ability to make tough catches."

Mann was selected in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals and has also spent time with the Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins. 

Thompson started in all 18 regular season games for the ‘Cats last season.  He recorded 49 defensive tackles, two pass knockdowns, one blocked kick and one interception which he returned for 21 yards and a touchdown during the ’09 campaign.  He also started in the East-Semi Final against the BC Lions where he registered 4 defensive tackles and one fumble recovery which he returned for 14 yards.

“Chris is a CFL All-Star that can play multiple positions within the secondary,” says Eskimo General Manager and Director of Football Operations Danny Maciocia.  “He has proven to be one of the better defensive backs in the CFL and we are excited to see what he brings to our team.”

The New Orleans native originally signed with the Eskimos in 2007 and appeared in nine games recording 12 defensive tackles, one pass knockdown and one interception.  He was traded to Hamilton in February of 2008 along with Mike Botterill in exchange for receiver Brock Ralph.  The Nicholls State product went on to enjoy the best  year of his career with 60 defensive tackles, 10 pass knockdowns and nine interceptions for 99 yards.  He was named a 2008 East Division and CFL All-Star.