In Week 16, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats edged the Edmonton Elks 29-27, moving closer to a Grey Cup playoff spot. A win this week could clinch Hamilton their playoff berth and the East division championship. The Tiger-Cats will face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who aim to secure a key win for their playoff pursuit. In preparation, the Tiger-Cats added defensive lineman Jose Ramirez and released offensive lineman Joey Lombard, according to the CFL Transactions list.
Last week, the Tiger-Cats made several roster moves in an effort to maintain their depth chart as they prepare for a run to the playoffs and beyond. Amongst those roster moves last week, three were defensive players, two were running backs, and the lone offensive lineman was Joey Lombard. This week, Hamilton brings former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Jose Ramirez to their roster.
The 6’2″, 252-pound Ramirez comes to Hamilton after spending the last three NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2023, Ramirez was the Buccaneers 6th sixth-round draft pick. Ramirez spent three seasons with the Buccaneers from 2023 to 2025, during which he played in four games for Tampa Bay. During those four games, the only statistic Ramirez produced was a quarterback hurry in 2024.
Before starting his pro football career in the NFL and now the CFL, Ramirez played four seasons of college football at Eastern Michigan University. During his time with the Eagles, Ramirez played in 34 games and recorded 81 solo tackles along with 75 assists. Additionally, Ramirez was credited with 20.5 quarterback sacks.
Ramirez has the physical build to become a major playmaker for the Tiger-Cats, but only if Hamilton gives him a chance to prove himself on the field. The Tiger-Cats’ defensive line is in need of some new blood within their ranks as Hamilton begins to transition from the grind of the CFL regular season into a mindset of attacking opportunities. Hamilton has not won a Grey Cup championship since 1999, but adding players like Ramirez could allow the Tiger-Cats to break through and win the ultimate prize in the CFL.
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