Calgary Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel announced today that three defensive linemen — non-import Justin Cooper and imports Andre Coleman and Kevin Dixon — have signed contracts with the club. As per team policy, terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

“We’re pleased that Justin, Andre and Kevin will be attending our training camp and we look forward to all three competing for spots on the roster,” said Hufnagel. “We’re excited with our depth on the defensive line.”

Cooper, six-foot-one and 250 lbs., spent the last three seasons with the Edmonton Eskimos, appearing in 53 regular-season games and three playoff contests. During the 2010 campaign, the Red Deer product made five defensive tackles and three special-teams tackles in 18 regular-season games. The Eskimos drafted Cooper in the third round (23rd overall) in the 2008 CFL Canadian Draft.

Coleman, six-foot-three and 287 lbs., played four games for the Eskimos in 2010, recording five tackles and one sack. He spent the previous three seasons with the NFL’s San Diego Chargers, playing two games for the team in 2009. Coleman played four seasons at the University of Albany, earning Northeastern Conference first-team honours in 2005 and 2006.

Dixon, six-foot-two and 271 lbs., is getting set for his first CFL training camp. He signed with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks in April 2010 and was released in June of that same year. Dixon’s college career took him to Nebraska and Troy. In 2009, following a strong season at Troy, Dixon was named to the All-Sun Belt Conference second team.