One of the biggest fish in the CFL free-agent pool has been reeled back in by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Defensive tackle Ted Laurent signed a two-year contract to remain in Hamilton and become one of the highest-paid defenders in the CFL, the team announced Wednesday.

Looks like Laurent said no to more money elsewhere to stay with @Ticats two year deal at $240 k per year @cfl #cflfa — gary lawless (@garylawless) February 9, 2016

Laurent reportedly turned down more lucrative contracts elsewhere, having fielded offers worth over $260,000 per season before deciding to return to the Ti-Cats.

Laurent, 28, recorded 26 tackles and three sacks in 16 games last year. The previous season, he piled up 24 tackles and nine sacks in just 13 contests.

The Ole Miss product burst onto the CFL scene in 2011 as a member of the Edmonton Eskimos. He played his first three seasons in Oil Country before heading east.