Key Points

• The Hamilton Tiger-Cats sign veteran CFL players Derel Walker and Jamal Davis II, marking a decisive move towards bolstering their playoff run.
• Derel Walker brings a wealth of experience and significant stats with 474 receptions for 6,681 yards and 34 touchdowns in his CFL career.
• Jamal Davis II joins the Ticats after recording 22 defensive tackles and three sacks over 14 games this season with the Montreal Alouettes.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats appear to be taking their aspirations for a deep playoff run quite seriously, as evidenced by their recent signings of CFL veterans Derel Walker and Jamal Davis II.

Walker, recently released by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, immediately brings a high level of professional experience to Hamilton’s receiving corps. At 32, Walker is a four-time divisional all-star and has an impressive career record that includes 474 receptions for 6,681 yards and 34 touchdowns over 92 CFL games.

He debuted in the CFL with the Edmonton Elks in 2015, winning a Grey Cup and being named the league’s Most Outstanding Rookie. His journey through the league saw him have stints with the Elks and Toronto Argonauts before initially signing with the Roughriders this past off-season. The 6-foot-2, 187-pound receiver dressed for the Roughriders’ first game of the current season, securing three catches for 28 yards and a touchdown against the Edmonton Elks, but was subsequently sidelined by a knee injury for the next seven contests.

The Tiger-Cats also welcomed Jamal Davis II, who previously played for the Montreal Alouettes. Davis recorded 22 defensive tackles, one special teams tackle, and three sacks in 14 games this season for Montreal. His playing time had dwindled as first-round 2023 CFL Draft pick Lwal Uguak became more involved in the Alouettes’ defensive schemes.

Davis, a native of Canton, Ohio, initially went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft. Prior to joining the CFL, he bounced around several NFL teams including the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and most recently the Los Angeles Chargers. At 28, the 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive end is an impactful addition to the Ticats, who currently hold a 6-8 record.

The timing of these signings is crucial as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are scheduled to host the Calgary Stampeders, who are currently 4-10, on Saturday, Sept. 30 with kickoff at 7:00 p.m. EDT. The added depth and experience from Walker and Davis could potentially give Hamilton the push they need to solidify their playoff aspirations.