CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders have signed national linebacker Cory Greenwood, the team announced on Tuesday. The eight-year pro had been eligible to become a free agent in February.
Greenwood joined the Stampeders on Sept. 12, 2018, and appeared in six regular-season contests, recording two defensive tackles and five special-teams stops. He was also in uniform for both the Western Final and the Grey Cup and had a total of three special-teams tackles in the post-season.
“Cory is a versatile and experienced player with the ability to contribute both on special teams and on defence,” said Stampeders president and general manager John Hufnagel. “He will get the opportunity to earn an important role as he enters his first full season with the club.”
Greenwood has 76 regular-season games of professional experience – six with the Stampeders, 22 with the Toronto Argonauts and 48 with the National Football League’s Kansas City Chiefs. Selected third overall by the Argos in the 2010 CFL draft, Greenwood instead signed with the Chiefs and played all 16 games for Kansas City in 2010, 2011 and 2012, accumulating 34 total tackles and one forced fumble.
He signed with Toronto in 2014 and in 22 games over three seasons, he recorded 106 defensive tackles including six tackles for loss, seven special-teams tackles, three sacks, three knockdowns, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. The 33-year-old Kingston, Ont., native is an alumnus of Concordia University.
“I’m happy we got this deal done ahead of free agency,” said Greenwood. “Alex Singleton and Jameer Thurman left some big shoes to fill and I wish them the best down south. With that said, I’m excited to return to Calgary and compete for a starting spot. In my few months I was with the team last season, I quickly realized how great the fans were and how much the city of Calgary had to offer.
“I’m looking forward to working with Coach Monson and his staff. I’m familiar with his schemes and like how guys excel within his system. Hopefully we can retain the core group of guys from last year and go back-to-back by winning the Grey Cup on home turf.”