Tiger-Cats re-sign free-agent defensive lineman Justin Hickman

HAMILTON - Justin Hickman is staying put.

The veteran defensive end re-signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Thursday, two days after becoming a free agent.

The six-foot-two, 265-pound Hickman returned to Hamilton for his second stint with the CFL last September following two seasons with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. The Texas native first landed in the CFL in 2009 with the Ticats.

Hickman had nine tackles and one sack in seven starts last season but was a CFL all-star in 2011 when he recorded a league-high 13 sacks before joining the Colts. The former UCLA star is entering his fifth season in Canada, having recorded 153 tackles, 28 sacks, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 61 games.

"Re-signing Justin was key to maintaining the continuity on our defensive line," Ticats GM/head coach Kent Austin said in a statement. "We are looking forward to Justin having an even more productive season in year two of his return to Hamilton."