The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have signed American defensive back Stephen Douglas.
The 24-year-old concluded his collegiate career at Northwood University, a Division II program in Michigan. He appeared in 16 games for the Timberwolves, recording 103 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, eight pass breakups, and one blocked kick.
The five-foot-11, 192-pound safety transferred after two seasons at Albion College in Division III. In 11 games with the Britons, Douglas registered 42 tackles, three tackles for loss, one interception, three passes defended, one forced fumble, and one blocked kick.
The native of Conifer, Col., gained notoriety after an outstanding performance at Western Michigan’s pro day in 2025, where he reportedly ran a 4.45-second forty-yard dash and jumped 41.5 inches in the vertical. He also produced a 10-foot-four-inch broad jump, 4.28-second short shuttle, a 7.00-second three-cone, and put up 16 reps of 225 on the bench.
Ultimately, Douglas did not land an NFL contract despite his impressive numbers.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats added several talented players in free agency, including quarterback Tre Ford, receiver Kurleigh Gittens Jr., linebacker Wynton McManis, and returner Mario Alford. The team’s key departures included running back Greg Bell (Ottawa Redblacks), receiver Tim White (Winnipeg Blue Bombers), offensive lineman Coulter Woodmansey (Edmonton Elks), and defensive back DaShaun Amos (Toronto Argonauts).
The Tiger-Cats hold the fifth overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. All CFL training camps are scheduled to open on May 10. Hamilton will play its first preseason game against the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday, May 23, and its first regular-season game against the Montreal Alouettes on Thursday, June 4.
In 2025, Hamilton finished first in the East Division standings with an 11-7 record, though the team lost the East Final to the Montreal Alouettes.
