The Hamilton Tiger-Cats signed offensive lineman Julian Pearl on Thursday.
Julian Pearl is six foot six and weighs 325 pounds. The 26-year-old from Danville, Illinois, signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2024. He also spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
He played in one preseason game for the Steelers in 2025. The Michigan Panthers drafted Pearl in the first round (6th pick) of the 2024 UFL College Draft. The Panthers signed Pearl on September 17, 2025. However, the UFL held the 2026 Draft, and Pearl was not selected.
Collegiately, Pearl played six seasons at Illinois (2018-23), starting 43 of 49 games playing left tackle and right tackle for the Fighting Illini. In 2023, Illinois averaged 24.50 points per game, 126.4 rushing yards per game, 264.58 passing yards per game, 391 total yards per game, 37 touchdowns, and allowed 24 sacks, finishing 5-7 for the season. He was named a two-time All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.
