The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced Wednesday the football club has signed two international players, including wide receiver Justin Thomas (pictured) and linebacker Darnell Leslie.
Thomas, 25, played eight games with the Alliance of American Football’s Atlanta Legends earlier this year, recording 16 receptions for 172 yards while adding five carries for 15 yards. The 5-11, 189-pound native of Prattville, Alabama spent time in the National Football League from 2017 to 2018 with the New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Prior to turning pro, Thomas spent four seasons (2013-16) at the Georgia Institute of Technology playing 48 games at quarterback. He completed 259 of his 532 pass attempts (48.7%) for 4,754 yards and 40 passing touchdowns, while adding 505 carries for 2,412 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns.
Leslie, 24, played eight games for the AAF’s San Antonio Commanders earlier this year, recording 14 total tackles, one pass defended and one forced fumble. The 6-2, 230-pound native of Gaithersburg, Maryland also spent time with the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers (2018) and Dallas Cowboys (2017), and the CFL’s BC Lions (2017). Leslie also played in 34 games over four seasons (2013-16) at Monmouth University, recording 152 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, four forced fumbles and one interception for the Hawks.
The Tiger-Cats also announced the following player has been released:
INT – WR – Jalen Saunders