Ticats and Eskimos Make a Deal

The Edmonton Eskimos announced they have acquired import defensive back Jason Goss from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in exchange for import wide receiver Richard Alston, non-import wide receiver Nicolas Bisaillon, the negotiation rights to quarterback Timmy Chang and a 2nd round selection in the 2007 CFL Canadian Draft which Edmonton acquired in exchange for OL Glen Carson from Toronto last month.

Goss has played three seasons in the CFL, all for the Tiger-Cats. He has totaled 89 defensive tackles, ten special teams tackles, one quarterback sack, nine interceptions and four touchdowns.

Eskimo Head Coach Danny Maciocia says, “Jason Goss is without question one of the CFL’s premier defensive backs. He’s a talented, multi-dimensional player who should make a significant impact with our team.”

Jason Goss

DB

(Import)

Texas Christian University

Born: October 4, 1979 – Fort Worth, TX

Height: 5’10     Weight: 185

Yrs. Esks 1st

Yrs. CFL 4th

"This trade enabled us to address our primary objectives, which is to add to our Canadian depth, our receiving depth and our options at quarterback," said Ticats general manager Marcel Desjardins.  "We're thrilled to be able to make these additions without removing anyone from our existing active roster, making our football club much stronger today than it was yesterday."

Alston, a 6-0, 210-pound native of Newark, New Jersey appeared in seven games with the Eskimos last season, making 23 receptions for 261 yards.  The East Carolina product also returned three punts for 16 yards.  

Prior to joining the Eskimos, Alston spent time with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and NFL Europe’s Berlin Thunder.  In nine games with the Browns in 2004, Alston returned 46 kickoffs for 1,016 yards and a touchdown.    

Bisaillon, a 5-11, 199-pound native of La Tuque, Quebec attended training camp with the Eskimos last season after being drafted in the firth round (42nd overall) of the 2006 Canadian College Draft.  Before turning pro, Bisaillon spent four years at Laval as a running back where he rushed for 1,489 yards on 212 carries in 30 games.  He also played a key role on Laval’s special teams.  

“The reality is that we want good character people who want to be part of building a championship caliber team and we measure all of our players for the ability to help us achieve that goal,” said Ticats president Scott Mitchell.  “In this particular case, we determined that we could move a player who would not be able to help us achieve our goal in return for four assets that as a whole will significantly help the football team with its ultimate quest, which is to bring the Grey Cup back to Hamilton. It is a tremendous trade for us as an organization and makes us better in several significant areas as we continue to improve our on-field performance."