Photo courtesy: Calgary Stampeders
The Calgary Stampeders have signed American defensive lineman Jaylon Hutchings to a three-year contract, bringing him back after a brief NFL stint.
Hutchings signed with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, but was waived in April due to a hamstring injury. He now returns to the team where he rose to prominence last season.
“I’m excited to be back in the Red and White,” Hutchings said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to being a part of bringing a Grey Cup back to Calgary.”
Hutchings recorded 39 defensive tackles, eight sacks, and one forced fumble over 17 regular-season CFL games in 2025, his first season as a starter with the Stamps. The six-foot, 304-pound pass rusher was named All-CFL and was the top-graded defensive player in the league, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
The 26-year-old signed with Calgary late during the 2024 campaign, suiting up for two regular-season games and registering two defensive tackles. Hutchings had a brief stint with the Chicago Bears earlier that year but was released near the end of the team’s training camp.
“It’s great to have Hutch back,” Stampeders general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson said as part of the announcement. “For him to make a three-year commitment to us is a huge deal. He was a force up front for us last season, and his return will further bolster our defence and make us a better team.”
The native of Forney, Tex., was a collegiate standout at Texas Tech University, where he recorded 193 total tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one pass knockdown over 61 games. He underwent knee surgery late in his final season with the Red Raiders, which hurt his stock in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Calgary Stampeders will play their first regular-season game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday, June 5. The club finished third in the West Division standings in 2025 with an 11-7 record, but lost the West Semi-Final to the B.C. Lions.
