The Hamilton Tiger-Cats acquired linebacker Jonathan Kongbo from the B.C. Lions on Monday for B.C.’s 2024 fourth-round pick that was previously acquired in the Dane Evans trade. In addition, the Ticats activated kicker Seth Small from the suspended list.
Jonathan Kongbo is six foot five and weighs 256 pounds. The 27-year-old from Kinshasa, Zaire, signed with the Lions on May 22nd. Before B.C., he started the season on the Denver Broncos practice squad before being promoted. He played three games for the Broncos in 2022 with one tackle. After the three games, he returned to the practice squad.
Kongbo was drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the first round (5th pick) in the 2019 CFL Draft. He made 12 tackles and one sack in 12 games in his rookie season and helped Winnipeg win the 107th Grey Cup. After the season, he left for the NFL and signed with the San Francisco 49ers in January 2020 but was released in August.
In 2021, he returned to Winnipeg with 17 tackles (16 DT, 1 ST) and three sacks in 14 games, helping Winnipeg win the 108th Grey Cup. After the season, he left Winnipeg again and signed with the Denver Broncos.
Collegiately, Kongbo played one season at Arizona Western College in 2015 with 55 tackles (18 solo, 37 assists), 16 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, one fumble recovery, and one blocked kick in 11 games for the Matadors. Then, Kongbo transferred to Tennessee (2016-18) with 51 tackles (21 solo, 30 assists), 5.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions for 69 yards, and two pass breakups in 30 games for the Volunteers.
Seth Small is five foot eleven and weighs 205 pounds. The 23-year-old from Katy, Texas, converted 39 of 43 field goals (90.7%) with a long of 58 yards and made 26 of 27 extra points for a total of 143 points. The Ticats signed Small on May 26th, 2022.
Small attended the Tiger-Cats training camp and played in the preseason, making three field goals. In addition, he attended the Indianapolis Colts mini-camp in 2022.
Collegiately, Small played four seasons at Texas A&M (2018-21) converting 71 of 91 field goals (78%) with a long of 52 yards (2018), including a game-winning 21-yard field goal against Alabama in 2021, and made 164 extra points for a total of 377 points. He currently holds the record in field goals (71), points scored (377), and ranks second all-time in PATs made (164).
