The Hamilton Tiger-Cats released defensive lineman Jason Lewan and moved linebacker D.Q. Thomas to the active roster on Wednesday.
Jason Lewan is six foot six and weighs 293 pounds. The 25-year-old from Yorkville, Illinois, signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2023, appearing in one preseason game before he was released on August 29, 2023. Then, Lewan signed with the San Antonio Brahmas (UFL) on January 19, 2024, but was released on March 10, 2024. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats signed Lewan on April 2, 2024.
Collegiately, Lewan played five seasons at Illinois State (2018-22) with 100 tackles (49 solo, 51 assists), 10 tackles for loss, five sacks, eight pass breakups, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one blocked punt in 47 games for the Redbirds.
D.Q. Thomas is six foot two and weighs 216 pounds. The 25-year-old from Oxford, Mississippi, signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent on May 6, 2022. He made 12 tackles (6 solo, 6 assists) in three preseason games earning a spot on the practice squad.
After the Jets released him on September 7, 2022, Thomas signed with the Green Bay Packers on September 20, 2022, and spent the season on the practice squad.
Then, Thomas signed with the B.C. Lions on May 7, 2023. He made two tackles in one preseason game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders before the Lions released him on June 4, 2023. The Tiger-Cats signed Thomas on April 23, 2024.
Collegiately, Thomas played five seasons at Middle Tennessee State (2017-21) with 309 tackles (180 solo, 129 assists), 53 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks, two interceptions for 43 yards, one touchdown, nine pass breakups, eight forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries in 60 games for the Blue Raiders.
Thomas ended his collegiate career ranked as the school’s all-time leader in tackles for loss (53.0) and tied for third all-time in sacks (20.5).
