The Calgary Stampeders re-signed offensive lineman Derek Dennis and linebacker Silas Stewart to one-year contract extensions through the 2023 season on Monday.
Derek Dennis, a 34-year-old from Queens, New York, played 14 games last season. This will be his sixth season in Calgary and seventh in the CFL. Dennis has played a total of 86 games with the Calgary Stampeders (71) and Saskatchewan Roughriders (15).
Dennis signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent from Temple. Dennis played 52 games in five seasons at Temple (2007-11) playing guard and tackle for the Owls. He would have brief stints with the New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Panthers. Derek Dennis also played in the Arena Football League for the Arizona Rattlers.
In 2015, Dennis signed with the Stampeders and debuted in October 2015. In 2016, he started 18 games and was part of the offense allowing the fewest sacks (20) in the CFL season. He won the CFL’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award, CFL All-Star, and CFL West All-Star.
After spending a year with the Roughriders, Dennis returned to the Stampeders. He started in 18 games and helped the Stampeders win the 106th Grey Cup championship over the Ottawa Redblacks. He was named a CFL West All-Star for the second time in his career.
Dennis played one more season in Calgary before heading to the XFL. He was designated to the Team 9 practice squad and later signed with the New York Guardians. His contract was terminated after the XFL suspended operations.
Silas Stewart, a 27-year-old from New Castle, Delaware, had 55 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble in 18 games for the Stampeders in 2022. This will be his third season in Calgary. The Stampeders signed Stewart as a free agent in 2021. In his rookie year, Stewart made 16 tackles in 12 games in 2021.
Before signing in Calgary, Stewart signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He was released at the end of the training camp. In 2020, Stewart played for the Alphas of The Spring League.
Collegiately, Stewart played two seasons at Riverside City Community College. Then, he transferred to the University of Incarnate Word (2017-18) with 130 tackles, half a sack, three interceptions, 11 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 22 games for the Cardinals.
In his final season, Stewart made 94 tackles, three interceptions, seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 11 games. He was named Second Team All-Conference.
