Report: Ticats sign receiver Kenny Lawler

HAMILTON — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are reportedly adding even more firepower to their offence.


This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/04/report-ticats-sign-receiver-kenny-lawler
1 Like

Can’t say I’m surprised as I kinda figured it out earlier. But I AM surprised nonetheless. Ted brings another Bomber over. Can’t say I blame Kenny. Loyalty is one thing - but you gotta take the $$$ when you can - $275K is a lot of green.

With Lewis teaming alongside Hardy in Ottawa & Lawler joining Tim White in Hamilton, there isn’t a better duo than those 2 pairs in the league. If Bo (& Lawler) stay healthy, he may surpass 5,500 yds again this year. You gotta believe that these 2 teams are going to make some noise in the East - looking like another strong contingent down there.

2 Likes

What surprises me is that the Cats haven’t raided the Argos, not yet anyway. Their off season recruiting in recent years has focused on the Boatmen. Must admit that with other teams raiding the Argos of their star players, there isn’t much left for the Cats to choose from.

2 Likes

Yeah. If Hervey’s in the building you’ve got 10 minutes before the bread basket is picked clean. Don’t spend too much time on the appetizers.:smile:

Ted came over from the Bombers & he knows they’re in tough. They signed up a lot of FA’s early & then the choices become difficult. Hamilton had NO FA’s signed before they inked Ternowski on the eve of free agency - so they’re coming in with a wallet full of cash, ready to fill up at the buffet.

2 Likes

Darn ! I was hoping the Stampeders who need at least one great receiver for Adams other than Begelton but the availability list seems to be shrinking. Congrats to the Ticats, but hope they were able to get him for a reasonable price. Last few years , thanks to Chris Jones, the receivers were going too high. Maybe they deserved those wages but the CFL is small and so is the necessary CAP . Teams need more than just high priced receivers if the league is to continue providing exciting events.

1 Like

I had hoped the Bombers could keep him, as I think he is the best receiver in the league…But if Schoen can stay healthy his 175K versus Kenny’s 275K salary will look good. If BLM and Lawler both remain healthy they could put up huge numbers.

2 Likes

The Tiger-Cat receiving core was exemplary last season, and there is no guarantee a high-priced receiver like Lawler will add a significant improvement to last year’s success. Steven Dunbar is a high-calibre receiver who is underrated in this league and Lawler’s signing may make him expendable in Hamilton. At the same time, the Cats give up the protection of Bo Levi Mitchell by letting David Beard exit, making Bo’s chances of connecting with receivers less likely. The upshot of getting Lawler with the loss of Beard and perhaps Dunbar is a less effective offence.

1 Like

Alot of $$ being thrown around this year.

1 Like

Yes they are coming in with a full wallet. I don’t think they had many big contracts except Bo and White.
They only have a dozen FA’s left unsigned so I expect them to splash a little more cash before they are done.

1 Like

I can see Darius Ciraco moving over from Toronto to Hamilton to replace Beard. I believe Ciraco is from the Hamilton area.

2 Likes

Will be a bar room brawl in the eastern division this year. All four teams will be strong. Sadly, injuries will probably decide the final standings No weak sisters down east this year

2 Likes

I like it.
Old West Bar Fight GIFs - Find & Share on GIPHY

1 Like

I really hope not.
Darius Ciraco was the weak link on the OLine when Hamilton initially drafted him many moons ago, he is no better now. He was not good enough to step on the field last year in Toronto . . . I do not think he even did up his chin strap at all last year !! :grin:

Stay in Toronto Darius. It is safer on the sideline than on the field.

2 Likes

You can’t argue with the TiCat results, Sundown. Having the “best” receivers doesn’t always work out. The Bombers had the #2 (Lawler), #3 (Schoen) & #4 (Demski) highest paid receivers in the CFL in 2024. The results were underwhelming. They had 18 receiving TD’s, dead last. Take away the 6 they had in one game vs the Elks & they managed 12 TD’s over 17 games. Pretty bad considering the talent. That’s 1/3 of the league leading TiCat total.

The issue with Lawler is that, despite his immense talent, he’s managed no more than 12 games the last 3 years whether through injuries or misadventure. He plays with reckless abandon but his heavy style does not necessarily translate to staying on the field.

You’re probably right on all counts on Dunbar. Signing Kiondre Smith likely leaves Dunbar on the way out. But, if Lawler can stay out of the sick ward, those top 3 are as good as it gets. To get a top player, sometimes it means giving up a really good player. I really see the TiCats moving up this year.

3 Likes

They only had Schoen for a couple games, and Lawler for half the season, so I feel that is not a great example, other than the fact that injuries can cause issues. I agree with the statement that the Bombers air attack was very underwhelming last year, but a lack of their high paid receivers actually playing was part of that imo.

2 Likes

The guy is a fantastic receiver - when hes in the lineup. But he has never played a full season, with only 11 and 12 games the last 3 seasons.
Hard to pay a guy really premium money to be a part time player.

2 Likes

Right…but when I make the same the point about Schoen to Bomber fans, it’s usually dismissed outright. I do indeed hope my prediction is proven wrong and that Schoen plays a full season. For now however, I am sticking to it and will still NOT be happy or smug about it when Schoen’s knee takes him down again this year and leaves us with basically Demski and a group of 2nd year guys. At least it is only a one-year deal…

2 Likes

That’s very true, however, Ontaria filled Schoen’s spot admirably & he was much cheaper. I don’t think they missed Dalton’s production.

The Bombers, going back to LaPo & Harris, have been a run heavy offence. They’ve either led or been 2nd in rushing attempts since then. This has continued on through Pierce &, with their RB coach taking over as OC, likely will continue. In fact Brady had the 3rd most receiving targets on the team. The $$$ spent on receivers would be better spent on improving the OL which is old & ranked 8th in pass protection last year.

There are teams who have done far better with far less “talented” receiving corps. I can see why the TiCats would add a Kenny Lawler - they passed more than anyone in the CFL- 680 pass attempts. Kenny’s only had one 1,000 yd season. I would venture a guess that a change in scenery is going to see Lawler blow by his high of 1,014 yds & take full advantage on a team that should maximize his value.

1 Like

It’s the secret to winning football. If you can’t get teams to respect your run game passing gets much harder and you can’t move the ball consistently.
Same goes if you don’t pass…load up the box and your run game struggles.

Balance…that’s the way and you are not going to compete without it.

2 Likes

I agree that I would like to see the Bombers spend more on the O and D line, and I think that if the Ticats stay healthy Lawler might hit 2k receiving as was his goal coming into last year.