The Hamilton Tiger-Cats closed out their 2026 Pre-Season and Training Camp in style with their 20 to 14 win over the Toronto Argonauts at Guelph. However, the outcome of the Tiger-Cats game was secondary to the real purpose of the pre-season: for Tiger-Cats head coach Scott Milanovich and his coaching staff to make final evaluations of prospects working to clinch a spot on the 2026 Hamilton Tiger-Cats roster. With that in mind, the Tiger-Cats have officially ended training camp by announcing their list of players who have been cut from the roster. In addition, those players selected to stay with Hamilton on the practice squad have also been announced by Hamilton.
Many players cut from the roster now have to find other avenues to pursue careers in professional football. However, some of the players who have been released will find other opportunities in the CFL, such as American wide receiver JerJuan Newton, who caught 4 passes for 87 yards and all three of Hamilton's touchdowns in their second pre-season game. One of those players finding a new home after being cut from a CFL team's roster is American defensive back Devodric Bynum, who comes to Hamilton after being cut by the Calgary Stampeders.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats Release 23 Players Including Standout WR Newton
Out of the 23 players that were cut from the Tiger-Cats roster, the most surprising wide receiver was JerJuan Newton, after he had an explosive individual performance in the final pre-season game for Hamilton. However, the Tiger-Cats' wide receiver room is loaded with talent, especially for an American player who adds minimal special teams value. Speaking of special teams, the Tiger-Cats also released Canadian kicker Zachary Copeland.
In addition to Newton being released, the Tiger-Cats also released American wide receiver Xavier Malone, American wide receiver Moochie Dixon, American wide receiver Blayne Taylor, and American wide receiver Kyrese Rowan. Hamilton also released American running backs Avery Morrow and Trent Battle. Along the offensive line, three Americans were released, including Temi Ajirotutu, Julian Pearl, and Eric Lofton. The Tiger-Cats also released Canadian offensive lineman Riley Schick.
Defensively, the Tiger-Cats released American defensive backs Kaleb Ford-Dement, Zyon Gilbert, Cameron Bergeron, Stephen Douglas, and Sam linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski. Hamilton also released Canadian linebacker Marc Rondeau from their defensive front seven. On the defensive line, four players were listed, including Canadian defensive linemen Kene Onyeka, Kyler Laing, and Ty Anderson, along with American defensive lineman Caiden Woullard.
Several Players Extend Their Time in Hamilton on the Tiger-Cats Practice Roster
Thirteen of the Tiger-Cats training camp prospects will continue their stay in Hamilton and will be named to the Tiger-Cats practice roster. Offensively, that practice squad roster includes American running back Nahree Biggins, American wide receiver Jaelen Gill, Global tight end Jevoni Robinson, and Canadian offensive linemen Brayden Szeman and Jakub Szott. Defensively, the Tiger-Cats have retained American defensive back Zamari Walton, Canadian defensive backs Ronan Horrall and Jake Nitychoruk, American linebacker Craig Young, American defensive linemen De'Jon Benton and Brian Ugwu, along with Canadian defensive linemen Aamarii Notice. Hamilton also added Global punter Nick Haberer to their practice roster to start the 2026 season.
After Final Roster Cuts, Hamilton Signs DB Devodric Bynum
In addition to the final roster cuts and the Tiger-Cats practice roster, the Tiger-Cats also made the decision to sign American defensive back Devodric Bynum. Bynum was a casualty of the Calgary Stampeders final roster cuts, but he gets to continue his CFL career in Hamilton. The 5'11", 186-pound Bynum played in 19 games for the Edmonton Elks during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, and while playing for the Elks, Bynum recorded 40 solo tackles and 5 interceptions.
Despite primarily playing the cornerback, Bynum is known as a tough run defender on the perimeter. In addition, Bynum has demonstrated elite athleticism and great ball skills, although those skills usually result in pass breakups rather than interceptions. In addition, Bynum has the versatility to be a regular contributor on special teams, which increases his value for the Tiger-Cats.
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