The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced today that the team has re-signed international wide receiver Kealoha Pilares (KAY-ah-low-hah pih-LAHR-us) and inked free agent international defensive back Tevrin Brandon.
Pilares, 27, originally signed with the Tiger-Cats on September 3, 2015 and made his CFL debut in the Eastern Final against the Ottawa Redblacks on November 22. The 5-11, 200-pound native of Honolulu, Hawaii posted three receptions for 15 yards and one rushing attempt for -1 yards in the game.
Pilares, who missed the 2013 NFL season due to injury, attended the Carolina Panthers 2014 training camp before being released on August 25. The University of Hawaii product appeared in 20 games with the Panthers from 2011 to 2012, posting two receptions for 42 yards and one receiving touchdown. He also recorded one carry for 17 rushing yards and had 806 yards on 32 kick returns (25.2 average), including a franchise record 101-yard kick return for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions on November 20, 2011. Pilares was selected by Carolina in the fifth round, 132nd overall, in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Brandon, a 5-10, 180-pound native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, spent one month on the Tiger-Cats practice roster last season from September 27 to October 27. Earlier in 2015, he signed with the NFL’s Denver Broncos in February and was waived in August. He also spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014 after a collegiate career split between The University of Connecticut and Monmouth University.