Simoni Lawrence re-signs for 10th season with Hamilton Tiger-Cats

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ all-time tackles leader is returning for his 10th season.

Linebacker Simoni Lawrence, who has become the face of the franchise in recent years, re-signed with the CFL club.

The Ticats officially announced the signing on Thursday.

The 34-year-old Lawrence began his career in Edmonton in 2012. The following season, he was dealt to Hamilton along with Jeremiah Masoli and Greg Wojt in exchange for Nathan Kanya and the rights to Carson Rockhill.

Lawrence has since become the Ticats’ franchise leader with 650 total tackles. Since arriving in Hamilton, the 6-foot-1, 231-pound Pennsylvania native has recorded 27 tackles for loss, 30 quarterback sacks, ten forced fumbles, ten fumble recoveries, 26 pass knockdowns, 14 interceptions, and three touchdowns.

2️⃣1️⃣ IS BACK 😤 pic.twitter.com/wSD3hVnOMi

— Hamilton Tiger-Cats (@Ticats) February 16, 2023

“Simoni is someone I’ve had the pleasure of knowing since 2013,” said Ticats head coach and president of football operations, Orlondo Steinauer. “He is a terrific individual with a proven track record of exceptional playmaking.”

“It is obvious that Simoni is a remarkable contributor to the organization both on and off the field. We are excited that Simoni has decided to remain a Hamilton Tiger-Cat for a tenth season.”

The University of Minnesota product is a three-time CFL All-Star (2015, ’19, ’21), a five-time CFL East Division All-Star (2014-16, ’19, ’21), and has been named the East Division’s nominee for Most Outstanding Defensive Player on three occasions (2015, ’19, ’22).

Beginning with the acquisition of future hall of fame quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell last month, the Ticats have been on a mission this offseason to build a Grey Cup contender capable of ending the league’s longest title drought at Tim Horton’s Field in November.

Click here for a summary of the Ticats’ activity on day one of free agency.