While CFL players want to make as much money as they can for as long as possible, the lure of performing at home often remains the best bargaining chip a general manager has at his disposal.
This isn’t to suggest Alouettes general manager Danny Maciocia didn’t have to negotiate before agreeing to terms with free agent defensive lineman Joshua Archibald. But Maciocia’s task undoubtedly was made easier considering Archibald is a Montreal native who also played university football at McGill. He’ll now be able to continue his pro career playing at Molson Stadium.
And Archibald, 27, can’t wait.
“This is a dream come true,” he told The Gazette by telephone from his Vancouver residence, soon to become vacant. “I know the butterflies that are going to hit once I play that first home game against Toronto. I know there will be butterflies and what I’m going to feel is unlike any feeling I could describe.”
The Alouettes announced Archibald’s signing Tuesday on the first day of CFL free agency, although the 6-foot-3, 238-pounder agreed to the two-year deal last week during the league’s negotiating window.
But the Als suffered some departures as well. Canadian receiver Kaion Julien-Grant (Edmonton), receiver Reggie White Jr., who has signed with Winnipeg, linebacker Reggie Stubblefield (Hamilton) and defensive back Nafees Lyon (Ottawa) all decided to take their talents elsewhere.
Archibald’s addition might allow the Alouettes to start two non-import defensive ends, where he has the potential to complement Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund, the East Division nominee as most outstanding Canadian in 2024. Indeed, that’s partly what attracted Maciocia to Archibald.
“He has qualities similar to Berglund,” Maciocia told The Gazette. “He (Archibald) has energy, a high motor and relentless pursuit to get to the quarterback.”
Archibald was selected by B.C. in the third round (23rd overall) in 2022 and played 43 games with the Lions over three seasons. He was most productive last year. In 17 games, he recorded 15 defensive tackles, six on special teams, had four sacks and forced two fumbles.
Archibald believes his speed and versatility provides defensive co-ordinator Noel Thorpe with numerous options.
“I feeI I can be good at whatever position Montreal wants to put me at — off the edge, in the middle or on coverage,” Archibald said. “Based off my speed and power, that combination makes me a great fit.
“I still feel, and I’m going to be honest with you, I have a lot of things to learn; developmental keys that are still untapped. I feel like Montreal is going to make sure they tap into my full potential. Four sacks is great, but I’m just scratching the surface. I think there’s much more in me to uncover.”
Although the Lions expressed interest in re-signing him, Archibald said Maciocia made him feel comfortable and at home from their initial conversation.
“I’m really excited to play for Montreal,” Archibald said. “This was my first time being a free agent. I was an open book and open to all offers. At the end of the day … I thought Montreal was the best fit for me. This is a big-time homecoming. It’s my city. I grew up and was raised in Montreal. For me it was almost a no-brainer.”
Archibald was an economics and international development studies major at McGill, playing for the school between 2017 and ‘21. In 28 games, he produced 66 tackles, 10.5 sacks, forced five fumbles and recovered two.
“I’m blessed and humbled by Montreal’s offer and its trust in me as a player,” he said.
Montreal also announced the signing of Canadian offensive lineman Cyrille Hogan-Saindon from Ottawa. Hogan-Saindon, 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, is a Quebec City native who played for Université Laval, winning a Vanier Cup with the Rouge et Or in 2018.
Selected in the second-round by Ottawa in 2022, he started the first eight games at centre for the Redblacks last season. He signed a one-year contract.