HAMILTON — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have added a boost to their secondary, signing veteran defensive halfback Demond Washington.

Washington spent four seasons with the Bombers playing in at least 16 games every year, recording 246 career tackles, six interceptions, six forced fumbles and five sacks. The 28-year-old became a free agent on Tuesday.

The move marks the second notable addition to a Ticat defence that on Tuesday also signed linebacker Alex Hoffman-Ellis from the Lions. While the Ticats were able to secure the services of highly-coveted Ted Laurent, who did reach free agency before deciding to re-sign, Hamilton’s defence could have a different look in 2016.

A 5-foot-9, 176-pound graduate of Auburn, Washington is also a capable returner known for his speed. Last season on defence he recorded a healthy 67 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and a career-high three interceptions.

He joins a defence that last season ranked third in the league against the pass with 251.9 yards against through the air per game, while also holding opponents to a league-low 6.8 yards per pass and a completion percentage of 61.2 per cent.