Versatile running back had 1,444 yards from scrimmage last season

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced Wednesday, the football club has signed American running back James Butler to a two-year deal.

Butler, 27, played 17 games last season for the BC Lions, registering 1,060 rushing yards on 210 carries with seven rushing touchdowns while adding 53 receptions for 384 yards and four receiving touchdowns. The 5’9, 210-pound native of Chicago, Illinois has played 28 games over his two seasons in the Canadian Football League with the BC Lions (2021-22), totalling 311 carries for 1,557 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns while adding 92 receptions for 627 yards with five receiving touchdowns.

The University of Iowa product also spent time in the CFL with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2019) after beginning his professional career in the National Football League with the Oakland Raiders (2019). He also spent time in the XFL with the Houston Roughnecks (2020).