The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced Tuesday the football club has signed American defensive back Qudarius Ford to a two-year contract.

Ford, 28, appeared in 17 games with 16 starts for the Toronto Argonauts last season, recording 56 defensive tackles, two interceptions, one pass knock down, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries – one of which he returned for a touchdown. The 5-8, 173-pound native of Pensacola, Florida has played in 26 career Canadian Football League games with 24 starts over three seasons with the Argos (2017-19), registering 78 defensive tackles, one quarterback sack, two interceptions, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and one touchdown (fumble return). Ford was also a member of Toronto’s 2017 Grey Cup championship team and registered a team-high eight defensive tackles in the game.

Prior to turning pro, Ford played 30 games over four seasons at the University of South Alabama (2011-14), recording 116 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one quarterback sack, two interceptions and 11 pass breakups. He was also a Second Team All-Sun Belt Conference selection as a junior.