Calgary Stampeders announced the 27-year-old defensive lineman for the three-year contract extension

The Calgary Stampeders announced on Wednesday that they have signed American defensive lineman Clarence Hicksto a three-year contract extension, keeping him with the club through the 2028 season.

Hicks, a West Division All-CFL selection and Calgary’s nominee for Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2025, had been set to become a free agent on February 10 and was ranked 26th on CFL.ca’s Top 30 pending free agents list.

In his second season with the Stampeders, the defensive end started all 18 regular-season games, leading the team with 12 sackswhile adding 28 tackles, five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and six knockdowns. He also started the Western Semi-Final against BC, recording three defensive tackles.

Stampeders general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson praised the move, emphasizing the importance of pass rushers in the CFL. “We’re committed to keeping our young talent and developing our players,” Dickenson said. “Clarence is one of the best pass rushers in the league.”

Hicks expressed his desire to remain in Calgary long-term, stating that he wants to build a legacy with the organization and continue playing for the Red and White alongside people he trusts and respects.

Since joining the Stampeders in 2024, Hicks has appeared in 36 regular-season games, totaling 42 defensive tackles, 16 sacks, two forced fumbles, seven knockdowns, and one special teams tackle.

Before arriving in Calgary, the Pensacola, Florida native attended training camp with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals in 2022 and played for the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons in 2023, where he recorded 21 tackles and two sacks.

At the collegiate level, Hicks played three seasons at the University of Texas at San Antonio, earning first-team Conference USA honours in 2021 after setting a school record with 10.5 sacks.

He finished his UTSA career with 108 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions.

Prior to UTSA, Hicks spent two seasons at Hutchinson Community College, where he was named a second-team Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference all-star.