While the Alouettes didn’t reach the Grey Cup game and weren’t able to defend their 2023 title, their CFL-leading 12-5-1 record would suggest the roster doesn’t have many areas that require improvement.
In other words, don’t expect general manager Danny Maciocia to be active in free agency — or so he says.
“Overall I’m happy where we’re at as a team,” he told The Gazette recently. “We have our core, our foundation back. For the most part the heavy lifting has been done. I don’t know how active we’re going to be — if active at all.
“We’re not going to win the free agency grade when all is said and done. I don’t believe that’s where championships are won.”
While free agency doesn’t officially begin until noon on Feb. 11, a weeklong window to negotiate for players eligible to test the market started on Sunday. That rule was established by the CFL to prevent teams from tampering, which had been widespread throughout the league.
While any agreements in principle reached this week aren’t legally binding, and players will have two days beginning Sunday when they can discuss potential contracts with their 2024 teams, that might also be nothing more than an exercise in futility.
Of Montreal’s potential free agents, Canadian receiver Kaion Julien-Grant is expected to sign with Edmonton, according to a published report. Defensive-back Nafees Lyon has reached an agreement with Ottawa, while linebacker Reggie Stubblefield is reportedly in talks with four teams — Hamilton, Winnipeg, Calgary and Edmonton.
While productive non-import receivers are always a hot commodity, Julien-Grant has been sidelined by numerous injuries the last two seasons, limited to 21 games. He caught 46 passes for 486 yards with one touchdown in 12 games last season.
His departure will be minimized by the return to health of Tyson Philpot, limited last season to nine games with a foot injury. Julien-Grant never was going to supplant Philpot as the Als’ top Canadian receiver. Indeed, Philpot probably would have led all Montreal receivers had he avoided injury.
American receivers Austin Mack, Cole Spieker, Tyler Snead and Charleston Rambo all are returning, although the Als appear prepared to move on from Reggie White Jr. If a second Canadian receiver is required, Shedler Fervius remains. And Montreal claimed Daniel Oladejo following his release by Ottawa.
Stubblefield, while a past productive player, missed most of last season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Meanwhile, the Als are solid in their secondary and had turned the page on Lyon. The entire starting defensive backfield from the East Division final is returning.
“I believe the back end is pretty dynamic,” Maciocia said. “They’re pretty good. We were able to secure, for the most part, all of them. There’s some stability and continuity. Hopefully we can pick up where we left off.”
Starting right-guard Philippe Gagnon also is expected to test the market. While the lines of communication remain open, Maciocia said the team is contemplating a ratio change on its offensive line and could start a third import to better protect quarterback Davis Alexander. The Als allowed 40 sacks last season, exceeded only by B.C.’s 43.
If Maciocia does anything this week, he said he’ll keep a close eye on Canadian players to improve the team’s depth. Two potential candidates could be B.C. defensive lineman Joshua Archibald and Saskatchewan linebacker Adam Auclair.
While the scenario could still change, it appears Montreal is prepared to move on from important defensive-linemen Avery Ellis and Dylan Wynn. Canadian DL Derek Wiggan retired, as has Canadian LB Frédéric Chagnon. And with third-string QB Caleb Evans having re-signed in December, Dominique Davis becomes moot.
“We’re not going to make a splash,” Maciocia said. “We’re in a much different place than we were two or three years ago. There’s something to be said about continuity and building from within.”