Some news to report out of Tuesday’s drizzly Ticat practice.
1. The team has signed defensive back Jalil Carter. He played three seasons for the Argos before heading to the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL this winter. He was released at the end of August.
Carter played for current Ticat defensive coordinator Orlondo Steinauer when he was the defensive backs coach in Toronto during the 2012 season so Carter should have at least some familiarity with the scheme. He’s a quality defensive back and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him installed as the boundary corner in short order.
I’m hearing that the deal is a short-term one, just through the end of this season. That likely means he wants to try the NFL again this winter.
2. The Ticats have also signed Canadian offensive lineman Mike Filer to a three-year contract extension. Given that the team has a number of Canadian starters slated for free agency in February – including Ted Laurent, Andy Fantuz, Courtney Stephen – extending Filer is a significant move. He’s a young Canadian offensive lineman now in his fourth season and he plays a tough position in centre.
Filer is also a local kid – Brantford, anyway – who is heavily involved in the community. That isn’t a factor when it comes to doling out contract extensions but it’s a nice bonus nonetheless.
3. As for practice, defensive end Adrian Tracy is back practicing with the first team as is left guard Peter Dyakowski. Brandon Banks also took reps with the first team kick return teams, meaning he could play Sunday as well.
