There is an old saying that became a popular Bon Jovi song about not being able to come back home. That saying does not apply to American defensive end Julian Howsare. Howsare started his CFL career with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2018. After playing four seasons for Hamilton, Howsare signed with the Calgary Stampeders as a free agent in 2023.
Tiger-Cats fans should be excited that Howsare has decided to return to the Hammer. The Tiger-Cats proudly announced Howsare’s return with a tweet for the Tiger-Cats official account on X.
Early last week, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats general manager Ted Goveia made a decision that many Tiger-Cats fans questioned. That decision was to release defensive end Brandon Barlow just before Barlow was due a salary bonus. The Edmonton Elks acted quickly to sign Barlow. That series of events left many Tiger-Cats fans unsure how they intended to pressure opposing quarterbacks after releasing their best pass rusher.
Signing Howsare should allow the Tiger-Cats to regain their confidence in Goveia and see the value of having a previously elite pass rusher for the Tiger-Cats return to Hamilton. The 6’2″, 255-pound Howsare is a native of Altoona, Pennslyvania, but as he starts his second stint with the Tiger-Cats, it seems that Howsare’s Canadian home is in Hamilton. The last season that Howsare played for the Tiger-Cats was in 2022, and he recorded 30 defensive tackles and seven quarterback sacks. Those stats were strong enough to be an All-CFL player in the East Division.
In classic Tiger-Cats fashion, after having an excellent season, Hamilton allowed Howsare to move onto potentially greener fields in Calgary. While playing for the Stampeders in 2023 and 2024, Howsare posted 85 defensive tackles and 11 quarterback sacks. Howsare should be an excellent fit for stepping into the role Barlow filled in 2024 for the Tiger-Cats. During his 97-game CFL career, Howsare has recorded 196 defensive tackles, 32 quarterback sacks, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles.
Ossai looks North for an opportunity in the CFL
According to the CFL Transactions list, the Tiger-Cats have signed Julian Howsare and American defensive lineman Phillip Ossai. If the last name Ossai sounds familiar, the Cincinnati Bengals drafted his brother Joseph Ossai during the 2021 NFL Draft. Like his brother, Phillip Ossai has NFL dreams. Still, according to an interview at the 2024 Trillion Tropical Bowl, he is looking for a professional team willing to give him a chance to prove that he has what it takes to continue to play football.
The 6’0″, 258-pound Ossai is a native of Conroe, Texas. Unlike many potential pro football players, Ossai had to work hard to prove he had what it took to play college football. In 2022, Ossai got his opportunity to play NCAA FCS football at the University of North Alabama. Throughout two seasons, Ossai played in 20 games, recording 50 solo tackles, 40 assists, six quarterback sacks, three pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries.
Signing with the Tiger-Cats gives Ossai an opportunity similar to his career at North Alabama, where he proved himself. If Ossai ends up being a diamond in the rough, he could be a massive difference-maker for Hamilton. Ossai does not appear to be afraid of putting in hard work, and that may be what the Tiger-Cats defensive line is looking for in 2025.
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