In a pair of moves focused on winning battles in the trenches, the Calgary Stampeders agreed to terms with offensive lineman Hunter Thedford and defensive lineman Josiah Coatney.
Thedford recently made the transition to offensive line after playing at tight end for most of his career. He hauled in 13 catches for 124 yards and one touchdown with the USFL's Pittsburgh Maulers in 2022. During his run in the NFL, he spent time with the Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns.
Thedford started at SMU before transferring to Utah for his senior season. He played in 14 games with the Utes, making two catches for 12 yards. In 23 games with the Mustangs, Thedford had three catches for 36 yards.
Coatney played a key role in helping the Arlington Renegades win the XFL Championship last year, posting 19 tackles and a half-sack. He also did brief stints in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco 49ers, appearing in one game.
While at Ole Miss, Coatney racked up 174 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 36 games.
To start the 2024 campaign, the Stampeders will host a home game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on June 7.
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