Ticats sign disruptive pass rusher Ja’Gared Davis to contract extension

Photo courtesy: Bob Butrym

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have re-signed American defensive end Ja’Gared Davis.

The 30-year-old Davis started 17 games for the Ticats in 2019, finishing second in the CFL with a career-high 13 quarterback sacks while earning divisional all-star honours for the first time. 

The six-foot-one, 238-pound native of Crockett, Texas added 54 defensive tackles, one special teams tackle, five pass knock downs, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and three tackles for loss in 2019.

“Ja’Gared has uncanny abilities to affect football games and his presence contributes greatly to the locker room with his teammates,” head Orlondo Steinauer said in a statement. 

“JG constantly gets after opposing quarterbacks and has an exceptional knack for making plays. We are pleased Ja’Gared and his family have decided to remain with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.”

Over his four-year CFL career with the Calgary Stampeders (2016-2018) and Tiger-Cats (2019), the Southern Methodist University product has suited up in 62 games, 55 starts, posting 177 defensive tackles, four special teams tackles, 36 quarterback sacks, three interceptions, 10 pass knock downs, 10 forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, one blocked punt and two touchdowns, one fumble return and one interception return. Davis has also played in eight playoff games, including four consecutive Grey Cup games — winning one with Calgary in 2018.

Coming out of Southern Methodist, Davis went unselected in the 2013 NFL draft. He signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent, however the New England Patriots claimed him on waivers following training camp. He played four games for Bill Belichick, although the Pats released him in late November that year. After that, Davis had stints with Kansas City and Washington. Davis has played in eight career NFL games making five tackles.