Since the start of the 2024 CFL free agency period, several CFL teams have signed former XFL players who chose to look north after not being selected or protected during the XFL-USFL merger to create the UFL. The Hamilton Tiger-Cat’s most recent addition to their roster is an excellent example of a player who made an impact in the XFL but found himself without a home in the UFL. According to the CFL Transactions list, the Tiger-Cats have signed American defensive back Shakur Brown.

After contributing to the Arlington Renegades 2023 XFL championship season, Cornerback Shakur Brown came to the Tiger-Cats. Along with his XFL experience, Brown has also spent time with several teams in the NFL and the USFL. Brown’s prior experience in several different professional football leagues should give him an advantage in adjusting to the unique rules of the CFL compared to the NFL, XFL, and USFL.

Brown is a 5’10”, 190-pound defensive back originally from Detroit, Michigan. The Michigan native played college football at Michigan State University from 2017 until 2020. While playing for the Spartans, Brown played in 26 games, recorded 54 total tackles, intercepted seven passes, including one for a defensive touchdown, and added two quarterback sacks.

In 2021, Brown signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent but spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions later in the 2021 season. In 2022, Brown played for the Pittsburgh Maulers in the USFL, registering 36 total tackles. Later, in 2022, Brown was back in the NFL on the Tennessee Titans practice squad.

By signing Brown, the Tiger-Cats continue seeking fresh talent to fill their defensive units for the 2024 season. Last week, the Tiger-Cats signed a pair of American defensive linemen, and Brown fits head coach Scott Milanovich’s vision for the future. Brown will need to work hard to transition to life in the CFL and earn a roster spot for the 2024 season once training camp starts for the Tiger-Cats.

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