Lawrence agrees to contract extension with Ticats: sources

Tiger-Cats linebacker Simoni Lawrence has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in Hamilton through the 2017 season, according to CFL sources.

Lawrence, who was entering the last year of a deal he signed before the 2014 season, was named the East Division’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2015 when he registered 79 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions. He was an East Division all-star in 2014 and 2015, when he also earned a CFL nod.

One of the league’s most versatile and athletic defenders, Lawrence was acquired in a February 2013 trade with Edmonton along with quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and offensive lineman Greg Wojt in exchange for Canadian linebacker Nathan Kanya and the rights to offensive lineman Carson Rockhill. The 27-year-old also had a brief stint with the Minnesota Vikings in 2014 before ultimately rejoining the Ticats.