BREAKING NEWS: Hamilton Tiger-Cats officially signs the 25-year-old NCAA standout

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have secured more roster stability heading into the new season by re-signing Canadian defensive lineman Kail Dava and American linebacker Ryan Meed, while also adding American defensive linemen Branson Deenand Maalik Hall to the team.

Dava, originally drafted by the B.C. Lions in the fifth round of the 2024 CFL Draft, appeared in eight games for the Calgary Stampeders that season, registering three defensive tackles. The Barrie, Ont. native played his college football at Tennessee Tech, where he posted 87 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. He ended the 2025 campaign on Hamilton’s practice roster.

Meed, meanwhile, suited up for one regular-season game with Hamilton in 2025, recording a special teams tackle. The Brooklyn-born linebacker stands six-foot-one and 239 pounds, and played 53 games at the University of Illinois, contributing 54 tackles, two tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and a pass knockdown during his collegiate career.

The Tiger-Cats also bolstered their defensive line with the addition of Branson Deen. The Purdue product appeared in 39 games for the Boilermakers, amassing 74 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 15.5 tackles for loss. He later transferred to the University of Miami for his final season, adding 18 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 5.5 tackles for loss over 11 games. Deen spent time with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and dressed for one regular-season game.

Maalik Hall returns after participating in the Tiger-Cats’ 2025 training camp and having two short stretches on the roster. The Athens, Texas native has also spent time with the New York Jets and the USFL’s Birmingham Stallions. A standout at Southeastern Oklahoma State, Hall earned Great American Conference Defensive Player of the Year honours with 151 tackles, 14 sacks, and three forced fumbles across his college career.

Hamilton finished atop the East Division with an 11-7 record in 2025 but fell short in the East Final against the Montreal Alouettes. Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell led the CFL with 5,296 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, earning the division’s nomination for Most Outstanding Player.