Receiver and return man Chad Owens has agreed to terms with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on a one-year deal, per CFL sources.
After mulling serious offers from three teams, Owens has decided to move on from the Toronto Argonauts and start anew. He left money on the table from elsewhere to stay in Southern Ontario.
Owens rose to CFL stardom in 2010 when he led the league in all-purpose yards with over 3,200 on his way to garnering the Most Outstanding Special Teams Player of the Year award.
In 2012, he put together a monster season, setting a new league record with 3,863 all-purpose yards, 1,328 of those came as a receiver as the “Flyin’ Hawaiian” emerged as a dangerous weapon on offence. For those efforts Owens claimed the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player award.
That season was capped off by an Argos victory in the 100th Grey Cup. After the championship campaign Owens was easily the most exciting and recognizable player in the pro three-down game.
In 2013 and 2014 he nearly posted 1,000 receiving yards in each season. Last year Owens’ production dipped and an ankle injury caused him to miss five games, but at times he did flash the ability to make game-changing plays.
Currently 33, Owens will turn 34 on April 3 and he enters his eighth CFL season in 2016.
“I’m focused on training and preparing to have the best season of my career in 2016,” Owens said leading into free agency. “I’m someone that you can count on 100 percent, that’s going to be ready, that’s going to be a constant pro on and off the field.”
Matthew Scianitti first reported the agreement.