By Stampeders.com Staff

Calgary Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel is pleased to announce the signing of international defensive back Joe Burnett. As per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Burnett spent the past three seasons with the Edmonton Eskimos, registering 122 tackles, three special-teams tackles, eight interceptions, 11 pass knockdowns and one fumble return for a touchdown in 39 games. He led the CFL in 2012 with six interceptions including two picks returned for touchdowns and was named a West Division and CFL all-star.

The 28-year-old University of Central Florida product has also returned kicks during his CFL career. In three seasons, he has returned 85 punts for 731 yards and 40 kickoffs for 804 yards.

Burnett was limited to five games in 2014 because of a leg injury.

“Joe is a good and versatile athlete with experience in both the CFL and the NFL,” said Hufnagel. “He has tremendous ball skills, which has allowed him to be a playmaker on defence. I look forward to seeing him compete at training camp.”

Burnett joined the Eskimos practice roster in 2011 and made his CFL debut in 2012. He was drafted in the fifth round (168th overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2009 and appeared in 15 NFL games. He was later signed by the New York Giants and has also played with the Arena Football League’s Jacksonville Sharks.

“I’m extremely excited for the opportunity and chance to be a part of a tremendous organization – the 2014 Grey Cup championship team,” said Burnett. “I’m looking forward to putting my hand in the pile to compete and help the Stamps repeat.”