One thing that was clear during the Hamilton Tiger-Cats run on adding free agents at the start of the 2025 CFL free-agency period is Ted Goveia’s preference towards adding former Winnipeg Blue Bombers players. Goveia’s comfort level with the former Blue Bombers players is understandable. Goveia spent the last several years helping the Bombers build one of the CFL’s best rosters year after year. By adding several players from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, it is evident that the leadership of the Hamilton Tiger-Cat is attempting to create the same championship culture the Blue Bombers have experienced since 2019.
The Tiger-Cats’ latest roster addition is another player with experience playing for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. According to the CFL Transactions list, the Tiger-Cats have signed American running back Chris Smith. Smith spent training camp with the Blue Bombers in 2024, returning a punt for 109 yards in the Bombers’ second pre-season game, before being cut from Winnipeg’s roster after suffering an injury.
For Smith, signing with the Tiger-Cats gives the running back another opportunity to earn a spot on a CFL roster. While attempting to earn a place on the Blue Bombers roster in 2024, Smith had proven himself as an effective punt returner, which could be Smith’s ticket to earning a spot on the Tiger-Cats 2025 roster. Before coming to Winnipeg, Smith spent time with the Seattle Seahawks during the 2023 NFL season, and he also spent time on the San Antonio Brahmas practice squad during the 2024 UFL season last spring.
The 5’9″, 294-pound running back Smith played college football at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette from 2018 until 2022. While playing for the Ragin’ Cajuns, Smith played 53 games and was named an All-American in 2020. During his career at Louisiana-Lafayette, Smith carried the ball 373 times and rushed for 2,169 yards, resulting in 16 rushing touchdowns. Smith also added 52 pass receptions for 410 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.
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