Over the last two seasons, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have had one of the most productive passing offenses in the CFL. However, this offseason concern was beginning to build as the Tiger-Cats’ wide receivers unit experienced an exodus of players to different CFL teams. Included in that exodus was All-CFL wide receiver Tim White, who mutually separated from Hamilton and signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

On the other hand, Tim White and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have had a contentious relationship, with White seeking more than the Tiger-Cats feel comfortable paying him. In addition, during the 2025 season, wide receiver Kenny Lawler established himself as the top wide receiver for the Tiger-Cats. The chemistry between Lawler and quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell came easily; it makes sense for the Tiger-Cats to build their wide receiver room around their connection.

For Hamilton, that means adding complementary wide receivers who offer capabilities different from Lawler’s but still fit into the Tiger-Cats’ offensive game plan. Those factors have led the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to sign National wide receiver Kurleigh Gittens Jr. from the Edmonton Elks.

Kurleigh Gittens Jr. is a 5’11”, 191-pound wide receiver who played U Sports football at Wilfrid Laurier University. Gittens started his CFL career in 2019 with the Toronto Argonauts, and during the four seasons that Gittens played for Toronto, his role expanded within the Argonauts’ offensive attack. During his time in Toronto, Gittens played in 54 games and caught 167 passes for 2,132 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The next stop for Gittens was the Edmonton Elks, who signed Gittens before the 2024 season. During his two seasons with the Elks, Gittens played in 34 games, caught 147 passes for 1,624 yards, and scored 9 touchdowns. While playing for the Elks, Gittens established himself as a consistent complementary receiver.

During his six seasons in the CFL, Gittens has built a reputation as a technically sound player who is reliable and capable of running outstanding intermediate routes. In addition, Gittens has demonstrated the ability to be a consistent pass catcher, providing an upgrade to Hamilton’s offensive arsenal, which has been hampered by dropped passes, especially in big games. In addition to being a solid wide receiver in the CFL, Gittens can return kicks and punts, which will allow him to make a greater impact on the Tiger-Cats production on the offensive side of the ball.

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