Eskimos loading up for training camp
Former NFLer Bowers heads list of 22 new signings
The Edmonton Eskimos announced a full slate of 22 off-season signings Thursday.
Some familiar faces included in the list of new additions are former Eskimos defensive back Solomon Means, who played four games last season, and linebacker D.J. Lalama, a 2016 draft pick of the club who ended up returning to play his final year with the University of Manitoba Bisons.
Canadian defensive lineman Hasan Hazime returns to the club that drafted him 36th overall in 2012. But he never suited up with the Eskimos, as his rights were traded to the Hamilton TigerCats after he finished his senior season with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. He spent three seasons with the Ticats before playing two games with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2016.
Another name on the list that jumps out is Da’Quan Bowers, a 6-foot-4, 296-pound defensive lineman who was drafted in the second round (51st overall) by the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Injuries ended his NFL run after he recorded 66 tackles and seven sacks in 53 games (10 starts) over four seasons. He made headlines when he was arrested in New York in 2013 after voluntarily turning over a loaded .40-calibre handgun to security at La Guardia Airport. The charge of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon was dropped, and he paid a fine for disorderly conduct.
Considering training camp doesn’t open until May 28, Thursday’s announcement comes as a bit of a who’s who preview of those who are new to the Eskimos this season.
Under the previous regime, signings typically were not announced until just prior to a player’s first practice, but the change to new general manager and vice-president of football operations Brock Sunderland means the fans get an early peek at who will be pushing the pile when it comes to earning spots on the 46-man active roster. Last year, 31 transactions were announced on the eve of opening day of camp, including 26 acquisitions.
Thursday’s additions bring the Eskimos’ body count to 74 (minus any non-counters) of the 75 spots available heading into training camp.