Lirim Hajrullahu won’t sign until at least March, taking NFL shot

Canadian kicker and punter Lirim Hajrullahu won’t sign a CFL contract until after attending renowned kicking coach Gary Zauner’s NFL free agent specialist’s combine in March.

It’s the same showcase Brett Maher used to earn a contract with the Dallas Cowboys last year, eventually beating out veteran Dan Bailey for the No. 1 kicking job in Big “D”.

Hajrullahu worked out for the Seattle Seahawks in January.

The 28-year-old had a strong season for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2018 making over 85 per cent of his field goals (46-of-54) including a perfect seven-for-seven on three-pointers from 50 yards or longer. The Western University product connected on 41-of-46 converts. He also punted for a 45-yard average.

Hajrullahu produced better numbers last season than compared to 2017 with the Toronto Argonauts when Canuck kicked the Grey Cup-winning field goal to clinch the Argos 27-24 victory.

Hajrullahu is the only Canadian in the league that handles all kicking duties for a franchise. The Ticats paid him $145,000 on his one-year contract in last year, but the better statistical production and NFL interest is sure to drive up the price.