Linden Gaydosh signs with Ticats

As expected, the Tiger-Cats have signed Canadian defensive tackle, Linden Gaydosh to a two-year contract. The Ticats have a team option for the second year. Gaydosh, a former University of Calgary Dino, is big, 6 foot 4, and over 300 pounds, and is eager to play some football.

The Tiger-Cats have been waiting quite a while for Linden Gaydosh to return to Steeltown.

The last time he actually played “in a game” was here in Hamilton two years ago — The Mitchell Bowl: Calgary versus McMaster. He made this fumble recovery and three tackles.

Since then: “I’ve practiced a lot, but I haven’t actually played.”

Shortly after Gaydosh was drafted first overall by the Ticats in 2013, the Peace River, Alberta native was signed by the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.

A preseason back injury sent him into surgery to repair a herniated disk and sidelined him for the entire season. This year, he returned to training camp with the Panthers, but it was a “foot” injury that kept him off the playing field this time and he was released on August 24th.

Linden Gaydosh: “Now we’re just doing some final evaluation stuff here. They didn’t get to deal with the injury here, so we’re kind of watching it, see how it turns out. But as far as I’m concerned, I’m ready to go.”

Could he play this week? Head Coach Kent Austin says it’s unlikely: “All that is speculation. We’re gonna’ see how quickly he can learn things — level of understanding, make sure there aren’t missed assignments in particular.”

Team officials have confirmed that the Cats were only able to sign Gaydosh through the 2015 season, at which time he can test the NFL waters once again.

But for now: “I’m ready to move on and this was always what my plan was if that never worked out. So I’m here now and this is what I’m going to put 100% of my effort into.”