One of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ greatest areas of need coming into 2025 is depth on their defensive line. During 2025, the Tiger-Cats had one of the least productive defensive line units in the CFL. Only Casey Sayles and Brandon Barlow were in the top 20 in the CFL in quarterback sacks. Sayles recorded seven sacks, and Barlow recorded five sacks.
In addition to pressuring opposing quarterbacks, the Tiger-Cats also struggled to stop the run. Recently, CFL teams have worked to build dominant running games around dynamic runners, and in 2025, the Tiger-Cats were on the wrong side of those intense running games. Defensively, the Tiger-Cats allowed the second-most rushing yards in the CFL, with opponents running for 2,105 yards against them, averaging 5.7 yards/rushing attempt.
Earlier this offseason, the Tiger-Cats made efforts to impress their defensive line by signing defensive lineman Owen Hubert after Hubert played his rookie season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2024. If the Tiger-Cats want to improve their defensive line play, they will need several more additions than just Hubert. With that in mind, it makes sense that the Tiger-Cats have signed an additional defensive lineman; according to the CFL Transactions list, the Tiger-Cat’s most recent addition to their roster is American defensive lineman Christian McCarroll.
Christian McCarroll is a 6’4″, 260-pound native of Barberton, Ohio. After being signed as an undrafted free agent, McCarroll spent the 2024 season with the New England Patriots. Before signing with the Patriots, McCarroll played college football at NCAA Division II Grand Valley State University from 2019 until 2023.
While at Grand Valley State, McCarroll played in 48 games for the Lakers. While playing for the Lakers, McCarroll recorded 41 solo tackles, 102 assists, 153 total tackles, 15 quarterback sacks, four pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. In 2023, McCarroll had career highs with 67 tackles and eight quarterback sacks, and he was the GLIAC defensive lineman of the year.
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