The Tiger-Cats finished the season in third place in the East Division with a 6–12 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

After a loss to the Calgary Stampeders on October 13, 2017, followed by an Ottawa Redblacks win later that night, the Tiger-Cats were eliminated from post-season contention.

This was the second season under general manager Eric Tillman and fifth under head coach Kent Austin.

[1] Jones then hired Art Briles as his assistant head coach; within hours, the CFL's league office blocked the hire over Briles' alleged involvement in the Baylor University sexual assault scandal.

[3] The Tiger-Cats had seven selections in the eight-round draft after trading their fourth round pick and two players for Justin Capicciotti and Xavier Fulton.