Ticats sign Simoni Lawrence to a contract extension

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have signed linebacker Simoni Lawrence to a contract extension through the 2018 season, the team announced on Wednesday. He was set to enter the final of year of his contract.

Lawrence, 27, was named a CFL Divisional All-Star for the third consecutive season in 2016. He started 17 games for the Tiger-Cats, recording a team-high 89 defensive tackles,, one interception returned for a touchdown, four pass knock downs, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He finished the season ranked fourth in CFL defensive tackles.

In 2015, Lawrence was named the East Division’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player and a CFL All-Star and for the first time in his career. The University of Minnesota product has appeared in 78-career CFL games (63 starts) with the Edmonton Eskimos (2012) and Tiger-Cats (2013-16), registering 314 defensive tackles, 13 quarterback sacks and eight interceptions. He has also seen action in nine playoff games, including two Grey Cup appearances in 2013 and 2014 with Hamilton.

Lawrence was originally acquired by the Tiger-Cats on February 5, 2013 from the Eskimos along with quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and offensive lineman Greg Wojt in exchange for linebacker Nathan Kanya and offensive lineman Carson Rockhill.