According to a report by Justin Dunk of 3 Down Nation, Hamilton Tiger-Cats American defensive back Javien Elliott has announced his retirement from the CFL via his Instagram account. The Tiger-Cats signed Elliott to a two-year contract on the first day of free agency in February 2023. The Tiger-Cats also signed wide receiver Duke Williams and Sam linebacker Chris Edwards, and all three players will be done with the Tiger-Cats after the 2023 season.
The 2023 season was the only season Elliott played for the Tiger-Cats, and he played in 14 games. During those 14 games, he intercepted three passes and recorded 32 total defensive tackles. Before signing with Hamilton, Elliott played the 2021 and 2022 seasons with the Calgary Stampeders. Elliott played in five games for the Stampeders and registered 12 total tackles.
Before coming to the CFL, Elliott played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers in the NFL. In 2016, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Elliott as an undrafted free agent. From 2016 until 2018, Elliott played 36 games for the Buccaneers, intercepting one pass and having 39 total tackles. In 2019, Elliott signed with the Carolina Panthers, where he played in 16 games, intercepted one pass, recorded 38 total tackles, and .5 quarterback sacks.
Elliott is a native of Panama City, Florida, and he played college football at Florida State during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. While playing for the Seminoles, Elliott played in 12 games, intercepted one pass, registered 37 total tackles, one quarterback sack, and forced two fumbles. The Florida native was a walk-on for Florida State after spending one year at Tallahassee Community College. During his senior season, Elliott received a scholarship.
The Tiger-Cats have spent the 2024 free agency period overhauling their defensive roster, including signing CFL All-Star defensive back Jamal Peters. While Elliott’s decision to retire seems unexpected, the adjustments the Tiger-Cats have made to their roster should allow them to fill the roster spot with one of several defensive backs that the Tiger-Cats have signed this spring.
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