Veteran safety Katsantonis signs three-year extension with Hamilton Tiger-Cats

By Canadian Press on January 5, 2026.

HAMILTON — Canadian safety Stavros Katsantonis signed a three-year contract extension with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Monday.

Katsantonis, 29, was slated to become a free agent next month.

Katsantonis was a CFL all-star last season, registering 69 tackles, three special-teams tackles and six interceptions in 17 regular-season contests.

The five-foot-nine, 193-pound Katsantonis has appeared in 81 career games with Hamilton, which selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 CFL draft out of the University of British Columbia. Katsantonis has registered 200 tackles, 29 special-teams tackles, 12 interceptions, two forced fumbles, three sacks and scored a touchdown with the Ticats.

Lions sign American offensive lineman Schleuger to extension

VANCOUVER — American offensive lineman Chris Schleuger signed a two-year contract extension with the B.C. Lions on Monday.

Schleuger was eligible to become a free agent Feb. 10.

The six-foot-four, 305-pound Schleuger started 14 regular-season games at right tackle last season. He helped B.C. lead the CFL in scoring (29.8 offensive points per game), net offence (430.2 yards) and passing (325.4 yards) as quarterback Nathan Rourke was named the league’s outstanding player and top Canadian.

Schleuger originally signed with the Lions ahead of the ’23 campaign and made 10 starts over the next two seasons. He previously appeared in 20 games with the Montreal Alouettes (2019, 2021-22).

Bombers agree to terms with Canadian defensive lineman Schmekel on extension

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers agreed to terms Monday on a one-year contract extension with Canadian defensive tackle Tanner Schmekel.

Schmekel was scheduled to become a free agent in February.

The six-foot-one, 286-pound Regina native will return for his fourth season with Winnipeg. He was limited to just four games last year due to injury.

Schmekel has appeared in 26 regular-season games with Winnipeg since being taken in the fourth round, No. 35 overall, in the 2023 CFL draft out of Regina.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 5, 2026.

The Canadian Press

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