After a lengthy off-season, preseason training camp, and two preseason games, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are ready to start the 2025 CFL season. The final step to conclude the preseason was to select the players reassigned from the active roster to the practice squad and determine which players the Hamilton coaching staff had chosen to cut from the roster. For many of the players cut from the roster, this could be the end of their career in the CFL; others will find other destinations during the season. There is also a chance that some training camp participants cut from the roster to start the season could get a call if a multitude of injuries occur at a position during the season.

For the players remaining on the Tiger-Cats’ active roster and those on the practice squad, the focus shifts from making the team to preparing to face the Calgary Stampeders. Making the team marks the beginning of a challenging process to win enough games and return to the CFL playoffs, ultimately aiming for the Grey Cup championship game. As teams prepare for Week 1, every team has a chance to be a championship team, so the pressure will be on Hamilton’s coaching staff and players to have a successful start to the season.

Hamilton’s 2025 Practice Squad Roster

On the defensive side of the ball, several players remain on the Tiger-Cats roster at key positions on the defensive line, linebacking unit, and the defensive backfield. On the defensive line, the Tiger-Cats have moved National defensive linemen Kyle Samson and Ty Anderson, as well as American defensive lineman Philip Ossai, to the practice squad. In addition to the defensive line, Hamilton moved American linebacker Kyler Fisher, and Hamilton will also retain American defensive back Zamari Walton on the Tiger-Cats practice roster.

Offensively, Hamilton also kept five players to provide depth to key position groups from the practice squad roster. Upfront, the Tiger-Cats have moved National offensive lineman Jakub Szott and American offensive lineman Brayden Swartout to the practice squad. In addition to the offensive line, Hamilton also retained three offensive skills players: American running back Treshaun Ward, American wide receiver Josh Johnson, and National wide receiver Keaton Bruggeling.

Tiger-Cats 2025 Final Roster Cuts

The players who did not make the Tiger-Cats’ 2025 roster or practice squad are officially released and are now considered free agents. Hamilton cut nine players from the defensive side of the ball and twelve players from the offensive side of the ball. In addition, the Tiger-Cats cut two specialists, National kicker Eric Maximuik and Global punter Josh Green.

Defensively, the Tiger-Cats cut three defensive linemen, including National defensive lineman Nate Martey and American defensive linemen Thomas Gore and Tyshun Render. Hamilton, American linebacker Jason Johnson, and American linebacker DQ Thomas also released two linebackers. In the defensive backfield, Hamilton released four players from the roster, including National defensive backs Jake Nitychoruk and Ronan Horrall and American defensive backs Qwuantrezz Knight and Cam Lockridge.

Offensively, the Tiger-Cats cut three offensive linemen from their training camp roster, including national offensive linemen Felix Despins and recently re-signed John Kourtis, as well as American offensive lineman Preston Wilson. During training camp, head coach Scott Milanovich stated that he was looking for tight ends. Still, despite that goal, two tight ends were cut by Hamilton, including National tight end Bruno LaBelle and American tight end Cam McDonald. Hamilton cut six wide receivers, including National wide receiver Luther Hakunavanhu and American wide receivers Phillip Brooks, Isaiah Zuber, Tre’Shaun Harrison, Matt Landers, and OJ Hilaire. Hamilton also cut American quarterback Gavin Hardison from their roster.

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