REC Kenny Lawler to debut for Hamilton Tiger-Cats in preseason tilt with Argos

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will show off most of their projected starting lineup when they open the preseason on Saturday, including prized free agent acquisition Kenny Lawler.

The Ticats made the 30-year-old the highest-paid non-quarterback in the CFL this offseason, signing him to a deal worth $277,200 in hard money. The six-foot-one, 180-pound target has been one of the CFL’s elite pass catchers over the past five seasons, spending four with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He was limited to 10 games in 2024 after suffering a fractured arm in the season opener but still recorded 41 receptions for 662 yards and four touchdowns.

In 62 career CFL games, the native of Pomona, Calif. has caught 256 passes for 4,108 yards and 25 touchdowns. He was an All-CFL selection in 2021 and earned West Division all-star honours the following season.

The remainder of Hamilton’s starting lineup is mostly as projected, save for strong-side linebacker where neither Reggie Stubblefield nor Branden Dozier will play. Rookie Quavian White will get the start instead. The fiercest battle could be at returner, where incumbent Lawrence Woods will face challenges from Phillip Brooks and Isaiah Wooden.

The Ticats will kick off against the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday, May 24 at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Graphic courtesy: Hamilton Tiger-Cats