Former Ticats DB Channing Stribling signs with Washington Commanders after all-star USFL stint

Photo: Bob Butrym/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

Former Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ defensive back Channing Stribling has become the third USFL player to sign an NFL contract following that league’s inaugural season, agreeing to a deal with the Washington Commanders on Thursday.

Stribling first signed with Ticats in September of 2019 and spent the remainder of that season on the practice roster. He re-signed with the team in May of 2020 after a brief stint in the XFL but opted out of his contract for the cancelled 2020 campaign in order to play in The Spring League.

The 27-year-old cornerback rejoined Hamilton for the shortened 2021 season and played in four games, making six tackles. He was not signed to another CFL contract in free agency and entered the USFL Draft, ultimately being selected in the eighth round by the Philadelphia Stars.

Stribling put together an all-star season with the Stars, leading the USFL with seven interceptions in seven games. He also added 11 pass deflections and 16 tackles to earn an NFL opportunity.

Prior to his stint in the CFL, Stribling spent time with four different NFL teams after going unselected in the 2017 NFL draft, including the Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers.

He suited up in eight games with the Alliance of American Football’s Memphis Express in 2019, registering 17 total tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception and four passes defended. Stribling played five games for the XFL’s Seattle Dragons making 14 tackles, defending three passes, one tackle for loss and one interception.

The 6-2, 180-pound native of Matthews, North Carolina appeared in 47 games with 18 starts at cornerback over four seasons at the University of Michigan from 2013 to 2016, posting 68 total tackles, four tackles for loss, one quarterback sack, six interceptions, 22 pass breakups and one forced fumble. He was an All-Big Ten honouree in 2016 for the Wolverines.