The general manager of the Montreal Alouettes, Danny Maciocia, will not be idle in the coming weeks.
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The Canadian League recently revealed the identity of the footballers who could benefit from their autonomy on February 14. The “Sparrows” have 28 players in this situation, several of whom have been key elements of the club in 2022.
The two big names that catch the eye on this list are obviously those of quarterback Trevor Harris and wide receiver Eugene Lewis. However, it is interesting to expand on the other athletes who could leave the nest soon.
All starting linebackers
The Alouettes had several excellent defensive games during the last season, and it was mainly due to the holding of linebackers Adarius Pickett, Tyrice Beverette and Micah Awe.
The three Americans will be looking for much more lucrative deals than their previous ones.
In the case of the first two, they got their first real chance to make a name for themselves on a defensive unit with the “Als” in 2022 and they took the opportunity to make a name for themselves.
“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to demonstrate my talent,” Pickett had also said during the end-of-season player review.
With Pickett and Beverette, Maciocia really showed flair. The two outside linebackers did not play in this position in 2021. The first was a special teams player with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, while the second was used as a defensive back with the Alouettes.
Important acquisitions
The GM also attracted several players who had a big impact on his team during the season, whether through trades or as a free agent.
This is the case of kick return specialist Chandler Worthy, running back Walter Fletcher and cornerback Nafees Lyon.
Each in their own way, they allowed the Alouettes to win games by making important plays at given times during the campaign.
Lots of pass receivers
In addition to “Geno” Lewis, four other “Als” starting wide receivers could go free as air in February. Indeed, Maciocia will have to make decisions regarding Jake Wieneke, Reggie White Jr., Kaion Julien-Grant and Hergy Mayala.
However, it would be very surprising if the last of this list is back with the organization. Hired at a high price during the last off-season, the Quebecer disappointed. He was also not part of the formation of his team for the final of the Eastern section, he who was supposedly sick. Between the branches, we heard that he was rather dismissed in favor of the American Cole Spieker. Malaya has also never hidden that he was not satisfied with his season and his use.
Quebecers
Several players from La Belle Province could benefit from their autonomy, including some who have had an impact on the Montreal club’s special teams. They are Pierre-Luc Caron, Régis Cibasu, Frédéric Chagnon, Vincent Desjardins and Kerfalla-Emmanuel Exumé.
Considering that Maciocia often repeats “that with equal talent, we will always take the Quebecois”, it is to be expected that several of them will obtain new agreements in the coming weeks.