Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Hamilton Tiger-Cats re-sign versatile veteran DB Richard Leonard

by
Justin Dunk
February 12, 2024

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have re-signed American defensive back Richard Leonard.

The five-foot-eight, 168-pound defender earned an 87.4 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus in 2023, which was the highest for any cornerback in the CFL. He made 48 defensive tackles, three interceptions, and one sack over 16 regular season games, 11 of which came at field-side cornerback with five at field-side halfback.

The 32-year-old has had a prolific six-year CFL career, amassing 315 defensive tackles and 20 interceptions in 98 games. The Miami, Fla. native has been named an East Division all-star three times and a CFL all-star once.

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During 48 games over four seasons at Florida International University from 2011 to 2015, Leonard made 196 tackles, 21 pass knockdowns, nine interceptions, 6.5 tackles for loss, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and scored two touchdowns. He spent time with the Houston Texans in 2016 after signing as an undrafted NFL free agent.

Leonard was 3DownNation’s third-ranked pending free agent defensive back.

The Ticats open the 2024 regular season by visiting the Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium on Friday, June 7.

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Justin Dunk

Football insider, reporter and analyst.