Hamilton, Ont. — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are continuing to bolster their roster, announcing the return of Global punter Nik Constantinou along with the additions of American linebacker Daveren Rayner, offensive lineman Noah Henderson, running back Rushawn Baker, defensive lineman Trajan Jeffcoat and defensive back Robert McDaniel.
The moves add a combination of CFL, UFL and NFL experience to both sides of the ball as Hamilton looks to strengthen its roster heading into the stretch run of the season.
Constantinou Returns to Hamilton
Constantinou, 26, is returning to the Tiger-Cats after spending time with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns.
The Melbourne, Australia native originally joined Hamilton after being selected by the club in the first round, fifth overall, of the 2024 CFL Global Draft. He spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Tiger-Cats, appearing in 36 games and recording 192 punts for 9,146 yards.
Constantinou averaged 47.6 yards per punt during his two seasons in Hamilton, providing the Tiger-Cats with a strong leg and valuable field-position weapon.
His return gives Hamilton familiarity at the position and brings back a player who already has significant experience in the Tiger-Cats’ system.
Rayner Adds Versatility to Defence
Rayner, 24, joins Hamilton following his collegiate career at the University of Kentucky.
The Indianapolis native enjoyed a productive 2025 campaign, starting all 12 games for the Wildcats while finishing second on the team with 69 tackles. He also recorded 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, four pass breakups and two interceptions.
Rayner’s standout performance against Florida earned him SEC Defensive Player of the Week honours.
Before transferring to Kentucky, Rayner spent three seasons at Northern Illinois from 2020 through 2022, giving him extensive experience at the collegiate level.
Henderson Brings Offensive-Line Experience
Henderson, 26, joins the Tiger-Cats after most recently playing with the UFL’s Memphis Showboats.
He previously spent the 2024 season with the Arlington Renegades, appearing in nine games and making five starts.
The offensive lineman played three seasons at East Carolina, where he appeared in 33 games and made 25 starts. He also served as a two-time team captain, demonstrating the leadership qualities Hamilton will hope he can bring to its offensive line.
Following his college career, Henderson participated in both the 2023 Hula Bowl and NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
Baker Provides Another Option at Running Back
The Tiger-Cats have also added running back Rushawn Baker, who joins Hamilton after appearing in three games with the Montreal Alouettes earlier this season.
Baker, 23, recorded 31 rushing yards on 10 carries during his time in Montreal.
The Victor, New York native finished his collegiate career at Elon in 2024, rushing for 859 yards and nine touchdowns on 183 carries. His performance earned him Honourable Mention All-Conference recognition.
Before transferring to Elon, Baker spent three seasons at Bucknell, where he accumulated 1,359 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 335 carries.
He also spent time with the New York Giants and New England Patriots in 2025 before joining the Edmonton Elks during the 2026 offseason.
Jeffcoat Adds Pass-Rush Potential
Defensive lineman Trajan Jeffcoat, 26, brings an impressive college résumé to Hamilton.
Jeffcoat played his final collegiate season at Arkansas in 2023, starting all 12 games and finishing with 16 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. He also led the Razorbacks with 29 quarterback pressures.
Before Arkansas, Jeffcoat spent five seasons at Missouri, where he established himself as one of the SEC’s top defensive linemen. He earned First-Team All-SEC honours in 2020 after leading the Tigers with six sacks.
Jeffcoat signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2024 before later being selected by the Birmingham Stallions in the UFL Draft.
McDaniel Brings Playmaking Ability
Hamilton’s final addition is defensive back Robert McDaniel, 25, who most recently spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
McDaniel has also had two stints at Jackson State, along with stops at Alcorn State and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
His senior season at Jackson State in 2024 was particularly productive. McDaniel recorded 54 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three interceptions, five pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
He also gained NFL preseason experience with Washington in 2025, appearing in three games and recording 10 tackles and a pass defensed.
Six Additions Strengthen Tiger-Cats Depth
With six players joining the roster, Hamilton has added depth across virtually every area of the team.
Constantinou’s return provides continuity at punter, while Rayner and McDaniel give the defence additional athleticism and playmaking ability. Jeffcoat adds another potential pass-rushing presence up front, while Henderson and Baker provide additional competition on offence.
For a Tiger-Cats team looking to make a push down the stretch, the additions give Hamilton several experienced and intriguing options as the club continues to shape its roster.
