The defending Grey Cup champions Montreal Alouettes were busy building depth across the roster last week. The team announced the signing of seven players and re-signed two from last year’s team in 13-year veteran offensive lineman Kristian Matte and fullback Regis Cibasu.
Matte has been a key player for Montreal and is currently the third longest-tenured player in franchise history going into his 14th season. The only players who have played longer are current Alouettes offensive coordinator Anthony Calvillo (16) and Scott Flory (15).
“There aren’t many players that are capable of playing 14 seasons of professional football. Matte is a guy everyone loves,” general manager Danny Maciocia said in a statement. “He played a crucial role in our last Grey Cup win. He is not afraid to get up and talk in the locker room when things are not going so well. He also sets the proper example on the field through his work ethic. We are lucky to have such a leader on our team.”
Since joining the team in 2010, he has played in 185 games, including all 18 regular season games in 2023. He is tied for ninth for most games in an Alouettes uniform with kicker Don Sweet.
Regis is back on a one-year deal after also playing in every game for the Alouettes last season. He finished with 101 receiving yards and one touchdown in 2023. Regis also contributed on special teams with five tackles and a fumble recovery. He’s been with the Alouettes since 2021. Overall, he's played in 64 career games with Montreal and the Toronto Argonauts, who drafted Regis is 2018.
Also signed by the Als this past week:
- DL Jacorey Johns
- DL Ifeanyi Maijeh
- RB Charles McClelland
- WR Malachi Carter
- WR Jalen Wayne
- DB Ferlando Jordan
- DB Nigel Warrior
Montreal still has 12 of 22 pending free agents still unsigned. They become free agents on Feb. 13 if agreements aren't reached.
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