Calgary Stampeders general manager John Hufnagel is pleased to announce the signing of international linebacker Taylor Reed.

Reed spent the past two season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, recording 145 tackles, seven special-teams tackles, 10 sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. The Beaumont, Tex., native also has 22 tackles in four career post-season contests. Reed was Hamilton’s nominee for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie Award in 2014.

“Taylor is an athletic and active linebacker who is very effective from sideline to sideline,” said Hufnagel. “He’s a solid tackler who has shown an ability to make plays during his first two CFL seasons and will contribute both on defence and on special teams.”

Reed signed with the National Football League’s Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2013. He joined the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ practice roster on Oct. 2, 2013, but then returned to the Cowboys to join their practice roster and later was added to the New England Patriots’ practice squad.

He played his college football at Southern Methodist and had 400 tackles, 13.5 sacks, four interceptions, five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery over four seasons with the Mustangs. Reed was named second-team all-Conference USA in 2011 and 2012.

“I’m excited to join the Stampeders and look forward to being reunited with my former college teammate Bo Levi Mitchell and meeting all my new teammates,” said Reed. “I want to do everything I can to contribute to Calgary’s continued success.”