Tiger-Cats re-sign quarterback Evans through 2023

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Published January 12, 2022 at 9:37 pm

QB Dane Evans was named the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' starter ahead of the 108th Grey Cup at Tim Hortons Field by Hamilton coach Orlondo Steinauer. (The Canadian Press photo)

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats might have signalled who is their signal-caller of the present and future with a signing on Wednesday night.

Dane Evans, who was the starting quarterback in the past two Grey Cup games, has been re-signed through the 2023 season. The 28-year-old Evans has made 18 career starts across four seasons in Hamilton. In the Grey Cup last month, he was injured during the first half, and Jeremiah Masoli came in to lead an effective attack. But the Winnipeg Blue Bombers ultimately outlasted the Tiger-Cats 33-25 in overtime.

One reason why the Tiger-Cats were in the game was that Evans had a perfect passing day — 16-of-16 for 249 yards and a touchdown — when he relieved Masoli for the second half of the East Division final in Toronto. He is also five years younger than Masoli, who is a free agent.

“We are excited that Dane and his family have chosen to stay in Hamilton for the next two seasons,” head coach and president of football operations Orlondo Steinauer said in a statement. “Dane is not just an outstanding quarterback, but an outstanding human being. His work ethic and authentic leadership skills make him someone that teammates naturally appreciate.”

For his career, Evans has completed 393 of 562 passes (70 per cent), for 4,924 yards, 29 passing touchdowns and 18 interceptions. In the rushing phase, Evans has 66 carries for 309 yards and six rushing TDs.

In 2019, Masoli suffered a season-ending injury during a July game against Winnipeg. Evans took over as the starter and helped Hamilton to a club-record 15-3 regular season before they ultimately lost the Grey Cup against Winnipeg.

When the CFL took the 2020 season off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Evans joined the coaching staff at his alma mater, the University of Tulsa. The 6-foot-1, 218-pound passer threw for 11,680 yards during his college career, and his 2016 Tulsa Golden Hurricane team was the first in the sport’s history with a 3,000-yard passer, two 1,000-yard receivers and two 1,000-yard rushers.

Both Evans and Masoli shared the No. 1 quarterback role as battled injuries by time in 2021 during COVID-compacted CFL season. Masoli started and finished the first-round playoff game at home against Montreal. But Evans’ relief effort against the Argonauts on Dec. 5 got him the nod for the Grey Cup, where he only got to try nine passes before being forced out of the fray.

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