The Calgary Stampeders signed tight end Ryan Jones, offensive lineman William Barnes, and linebacker Sam Mathews on Tuesday. These players had signed future contracts last season.
Ryan Jones is six foot three and weighs 247 pounds. The 25-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2023. In 2023, he made three catches for 21 yards in three preseason games. The Giants released him on August 29, 2023, and re-signed him to the practice squad on August 30, 2023.
Collegiately, Jones played two seasons at Oklahoma (2018-19) playing linebacker making 29 tackles (21 solos, 8 assists), 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and one pass breakup in 18 games for the Sooners. Then, he transferred to East Carolina (2021-22) as a tight end making 78 catches for 855 yards, 9 touchdowns, two carries for one yard, and two tackles (2 assists) in 24 games for the Pirates.
William Barnes is six foot four and weighs 308 pounds. The 25-year-old Apopka, Florida, attended the New York Giants rookie minicamp in 2024. The D.C. Defenders signed Barnes on May 23, 2024. He did not see any action for the Defenders in 2024.
Collegiately, Barnes played five seasons at North Carolina (2019-23) playing 61 games on the offensive line for the Tar Heels. In 2023, North Carolina’s offense averaged 299.2 yards passing per game (14th NCAA/1st ACC), 192.1 yards rushing per game (19th NCAA/3rd ACC), 491.2 total yards per game (7th NCAA/1st ACC), and 34.5 points per game (20th NCAA/2nd ACC). In addition, the offense blocked for the nation’s fifth-leading rusher, Omarion Hampton, who ran for 1,504 yards.
Sam Mathews is six foot three and weighs 210 pounds. The 24-year-old from League City, Texas, attended the Chicago Bears rookie minicamp in 2024 after going undrafted.
Collegiately, Mathews started at Harding University as a redshirt freshman and did not play for the Bisons. Next, he transferred to Blinn Junior College but he sat out for two seasons and did not play for the Buccaneers.
Then, he transferred to Texas A&M (2021-23) making 38 tackles (29 solos, 9 assists), 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble in 34 games for the Aggies. In 2023, he was named the 12th man making 26 tackles (20 solos, 6 assists), 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble in 13 games.
Mathews played quarterback at Clear Creek High School totaling 1,524 yards (1,279 yards passing, 245 yards rushing), and 33 touchdowns in 2017.
