CFL fans are in the midst of another holiday season, which means it is that time of year when all CFL teams get an opportunity to put together their “wish list” for the future of their roster. That “wish list” takes the form of each team’s negotiation list. Each year, CFL teams get the opportunity to stake claim to potential future CFL players with the intention that if they find their way to the CFL, the team that claimed them on their negotiation list gets the first opportunity to sign that player.
The Tiger-Cats 2024 negotiation list shows the organization’s awareness that the defensive side of the ball needs an upgrade heading into the 2024 season. Hamilton’s 2024 negotiation list includes four defensive linemen, one defensive back, and one linebacker. Four offensive players are on the Tiger-Cats negotiation list, including University of Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels, a wide receiver, a running back, and an offensive lineman.
Loading up on Defence
During the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 2024 season, it was clear that Hamilton’s attempt to rebuild its defence failed to produce the results it was looking for against explosive CFL offensive units. The Tiger-Cats negotiation list reflects the team’s awareness that it needs reinforcements on the defensive side of the ball. Much of that improvement must happen among the Tiger-Cats’ defensive front seven.
The Tiger-Cats have included four defensive linemen on their negotiation list to boost their defensive line. Those linemen include Brevin Allen, Judge Culpepper, Spencer Waege, and Jack Heflin. All four defensive linemen have experience with NFL teams, and each lineman has the potential to make a significant impact on the Tiger-Cats defensive line if they choose to come to the CFL. Jack Heflin is the best player on the negotiation list and is on the Los Angeles Rams practice squad.
In addition to attempting to improve their defensive line, the Tiger-Cats have included defensive back Nick Whiteside II and linebacker Tyler Murray on their negotiation list. Defensive back Nick Whiteside II is currently on the Washington Commanders roster, and he had an outstanding collegiate career at NCAA Division II Saginaw Valley State. He recorded 129 tackles and 12 interceptions from 2018 until 2022. Linebacker Tyler Murray is not currently on an NFL roster, but it would be possible to join the Tiger-Cats roster shortly. Murray played college football at Troy University (2017, 2018), UNC-Charlotte (2020, 2021), and the University of Memphis (2022). While playing at Memphis, Murray recorded two interceptions and 67 total tackles in 13 games for the Tigers.
Looking for More Playmakers on Offence
Offensively, the Tiger-Cats performed well during the 2024 season compared to the struggling defence. Bo Levi Mitchell had a bounce-back year at quarterback, and Hamilton effectively got the ball to their playmakers, Tim White, Steven Dunbar Jr., and Shemar Bridges. Despite the offensive success, the Tiger-Cats want to add more playmakers to their roster.
The biggest name on the Tiger-Cats negotiation list is current University of Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels. Daniels has had a successful career since 2020 with the Jayhawks, including completing 536 out of 874 passes for 6,751 yards and 45 touchdowns, and he also added 1,043 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns in his career. If Hamilton could successfully add Daniels to their roster, he would have a great chance to be a big-time playmaker in the CFL. Unfortunately, the Tiger-Cats will have to wait at least one more year for Daniels as he is committed to returning to Kansas for the 2025 season.
In addition to Daniels, the Tiger-Cats have included wide receiver Ethan Fernea, offensive lineman Badara Traore, and running back Jalen Jackson to their negotiation list. Fernea played college football at UCLA, where he played in 48 games but only recorded eight catches for 155 yards and two touchdowns, and ran the ball 12 times for 84 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Running back Jalen Jackson played college football at NCAA FCS Villanova, where he ran for 2,546 yards and scored 26 rushing touchdowns from 2018 until 2023. He added 21 receptions for 198 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Hamilton has also shot at adding offensive lineman Badara Traore to its negotiation list. Traore finished his college football career playing for Louisiana State University during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Since leaving LSU, Traore has spent time with the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Arizona Cardinals, and Carolina Panthers.
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