The Calgary Stampeders announce a number of transactions including the signings of national defensive lineman T.J. Rayam and American offensive lineman Baer Hunter.

T.J. Rayam
#99
Defensive lineman
College: Boston College
Height: 6.00
Weight: 293
Born: Sept. 12, 1997
Birthplace: Edmonton, AB
National

The Stampeders selected Rayam in the supplemental draft on May 5. The son of Thomas Rayam, the former Stampeders offensive lineman and a member of Calgary’s 2001 Grey Cup-championship team, T.J. Rayam joins the Red and White after attending mini-camp with the National Football League’s Kansas City Chiefs.

At Boston College, Rayam played 49 career games and made 26 starts over five years. During his career with the Eagles, he recorded 101 tackles including 11.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one forced fumble and two passes defended. His best season came as a sophomore in 2019 as Rayam made 12 starts at nose tackle and recorded 41 tackles including 6.5 tackles for loss.

Baer Hunter
#59
Offensive lineman
College: Appalachian State
Height: 6.02
Weight: 295
Born: Nov. 2, 1998
Birthplace: Detroit, MI
American

Hunter recently attended rookie camp with the NFL’s New York Giants. In college, he played 64 games over five seasons at Appalachian State. During his career with the Mountaineers, he earned all-Sun Belt Conference accolades on three occasions including second-team honours in 2019 and first-team recognition in both 2020 and 2021.

Hunter started his collegiate career as a defensive lineman and also saw action at tight end before making the switch to the offensive line in 2018. He made 38 starts at right guard from 2018-20 and 14 starts at centre in 2021.

The Stampeders also announce the following transactions:

Released

• American offensive lineman Zach Ingram
• American receiver Keenen Johnson
• American defensive lineman Stacy Keely
• Global running back Nico Leonard
• American defensive back K.J. Sails
• National long snapper Zach Zynomirski

Placed on the retired list

• National offensive lineman Joel Braden
• American defensive lineman Jeremiah Valoaga
• American running back Aca’Cedric Ware

Placed on the suspended list (travel issues)

• Global defensive lineman Misiona Aiolupotea-Pei
• American receiver Brendan Langley