Hamilton Tiger-Cats cut veteran Canadian Kene Onyeka, 22 others

Photo courtesy: Bob Butrym/RFB Sport Photography

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have released 23 players to comply with the CFL’s mandatory 2026 roster cutdown deadline, including veteran Canadian defensive end Kene Onyeka.

Onyeka was signed as a free agent in February after playing 15 games for the Ottawa Redblacks in 2025, recording one defensive tackle and 11 special teams tackles. He received a $10,000 signing bonus to ink his deal with Hamilton during free agency, according to 3DownNation insider Justin Dunk.

The 29-year-old was originally selected in the fourth round, 29th overall during the 2018 CFL Draft. Through 81 career three-down league games, he has recorded 55 defensive tackles, 55 special teams tackles, 11 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

The six-foot-three, 244-pound pass rusher attended Carleton University, where he was twice named a first-team U Sports All-Canadian during his collegiate career. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, but raised in Brampton, Ont., Onyeka is the younger brother of current Calgary Stampeders defensive back Godfrey Onyeka. His three cousins — Nakas, Kosi, and Ifenna — all spent time in the CFL as well.

The other players the Ticats released:

American running back Avery Morrow
American running back Trent Battle
American receiver Moochie Dixon
American receiver Blayne Taylor
American receiver Kyrese Rowan
American receiver JerJuan Newton
American receiver Xavier Malone
American offensive lineman Eric Lofton
American offensive lineman Temi Ajirotutu
American offensive lineman Julian Pearl
National offensive lineman Riley Schick
American defensive lineman Caiden Woullard
National defensive lineman Ty Anderson
National defensive lineman Kyler Laing
National linebacker Marc Rondeau
American defensive back Kaleb Ford-Dement
American defensive back Zyon Gilbert
American defensive back Cameron Stone
American defensive back Stephen Douglas
American defensive back Jordan Kwiatkowski
American defensive back Cameron Bergeron
National kicker Zachary Copeland

Hamilton has added the following players to the practice roster:

American running back Nahree Biggins
American receiver Jaelen Gill
Global tight end Jevoni Robinson
National offensive lineman Brayden Szeman
National defensive lineman Aamarii Notice
American defensive lineman De’Jon Benton
American defensive lineman Brian Ugwu
American linebacker Craig Young
National defensice back Ronan Horrall
American defensive back Zamari Walton
National defensive back Jake Nitychoruk
Global punter Nick Haberer

The Tiger-Cats open the CFL season at home against the Montreal Alouettes on Thursday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m.