The Hamilton Tiger-Cats made significant improvements during the 2025 CFL season, ultimately clinching the top spot in the East Division. However, the Tiger-Cats did not reach their ultimate goal: winning the East Division Finals and the Grey Cup. So, for Hamilton to take the next step and win a Grey Cup, they need to keep the foundation of what made them successful this season and build on it.<\/p>\n
So far this off-season, the Tiger-Cats are doing an excellent job of keeping their team\u2019s foundation intact<\/a> by extending the contracts of many of their key players who were pending free agents. A few weeks ago, the Tiger-Cats renewed their commitment to keeping quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell<\/a> as their triggerman on the offensive side of the ball, and Hamilton also extended the contract of All-CFL cornerback Jamal Peters<\/a>. The next move the Tiger-Cats<\/a> needed to make to keep their foundation together was to extend the safety Stavros Katsantonis<\/a> after agreeing to a 3-year extension.<\/p>\n All Glory to God always. Couldn\u2019t be happier to be locked in with this amazing franchise. If you know Hamilton, you know we\u2019re working! \ud83d\udd28 \ud83d\udc2f https:\/\/t.co\/nqcnb6OFnv<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 \u2627 Stavros Katsantonis \u2627 (@StavrosKats) January 5, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The new contract extension for Katsantonis gives the National Safety long-term job security and is also expected to make him the highest-paid National Safety in CFL history. During the 2025 season, Katsantonis led the Tiger-Cats\u2019 defensive secondary, which was one of the top units in the CFL. For the 2025 season, Katsantonis played in 17 games and recorded 69 defensive tackles, 3 special teams tackles, and 6 interceptions.<\/p>\n Up to this point in his CFL career, Katsantonis has played only for Hamilton, and over the last five years, he has grown into one of Hamilton\u2019s best defensive players. Over the last five seasons, Katsantonis has played in 81 games and registered 200 defensive tackles, 29 special teams tackles, 12 interceptions, 3 quarterback sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 defensive touchdown. In addition to his on-field production, Katsantonis has become a great leader for the Tiger-Cats, and he is a major part of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats<\/a>\u2018 cultural change during the time head coach Scott Milanovich has been building the Tiger-Cats roster into a championship team.<\/p>\n The 6\u20193\u2033, 193-pound Katsantonis is originally from Bakersfield, California, but he is designated a National player due to playing college football at the University of British Columbia. While playing for the Thunderbirds, Katsantonis appeared in 43 games, recording 205 total tackles, 18 interceptions, 16 pass breakups, 5 fumble recoveries, and 3 forced fumbles. Katsantonis\u2019s ability to take his U Sports success and turn that into comparable success in the CFL makes him a unique and valuable player for the Tiger-Cats organization.<\/p>\n For more football content, check out Football Scientific<\/a><\/p>\n Follow me on X: @AaronSauter7<\/a><\/p>\n