The Calgary Stampeders signed the Houston defenseman to a two-year contract

Canadian Press February 13, 2024.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Demerio Houston (35) celebrates during the first half of a CFL game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Winnipeg, Friday, June 9, 2023. The Calgary Stampeders signed Houston to a two-year contract on Tuesday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders signed All-American defensive back Demerio Houston to a two-year contract on Tuesday.

Calgary reached an agreement in principle with 2023 CFL star Houston last week.

The Stampeders also announced the signing of All-American linebacker Matt Schiltz. The club also reached an agreement in principle with Schiltz last week.

The five-foot-10, 170-pound Houston led the CFL in interceptions (seven) and defenses (10) last season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Houston recorded 50 tackles in 15 regular season games and helped Winnipeg reach its fourth straight Gray Cup game.

Houston joined the Bombers in 2021 and helped them win the Gray Cup that year.

He appeared in 30 regular-season contests for Manitoba, recording 84 tackles, three special teams tackles, nine interceptions and four fumble recoveries.

The six-foot-two, 205-pound Schiltz appeared in 11 regular-season games — three starts — with Hamilton last year. He completed 108 of 161 passes (67.1 percent) for 1,556 yards and seven touchdowns. He also rushed 23 times for 160 yards and a touchdown.

Schiltz began his CFL career with Montreal (2017-19, 2021). He played in 78 career regular season games, completing 338-of-517 passes (65.4 percent) for 4,357 yards and 19 TDs, rushing 101 times for 615 yards and four touchdowns.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on February 13, 2024.