It’s the end of an era for the Montreal Alouettes, as the club announced Tuesday that it had released running back William Stanback.
In a press release, the Alouettes indicated that it was the 29-year-old American who had requested to be released. Stanback would become a free agent effective February 13.
“Montreal… while I try to find the words to express all my gratitude and love for this city, I realize that I will need several days,” Stanback wrote on the social network Shared emotions, because unfortunately this is the end of an incredible chapter in my life.
“When I arrived six years ago, I never would have believed that this place would be a second home for me. Together, we have experienced great moments and overcome obstacles when there were any, proving that you can achieve what you want when you stand up and put in the effort.
“Requesting release was not an easy decision to make. […] I want to express my gratitude to everyone who believed in me, supported me and, most importantly, made my time here unforgettable. […] Although it is difficult to say goodbye, I will cherish all the moments spent here and I will forever love this city, my teammates, the fans and everyone this city has put in my path. »
“I love you Montreal,” he concluded in French.
Arriving with the Alouettes for the 2018 season, the 6 ft, 233 lb running back had two seasons of more than 1,000 yards of gains in five campaigns in Montreal: 1,048 in 2019 and 1,176 in 2021. He had elsewhere dominated the Ambrosie circuit in 2021, in addition to being named MVP of the Alouettes and the Eastern section.
The pandemic deprived him of a season, in 2020, when the CFL did not play, while he was at the top of his form.
Stanback suffered a serious ankle injury in the first game of the 2022 season in Calgary, limiting him to just five games that year.
He only found his rhythm at the start of the 2023 season, but with new coach Jason Maas his usage has changed. Still the club’s number one carrier – ahead of Jeshrun Antwi and Walter Fletcher – Stanback was “taken care of” so that he reached the playoffs at his best.
After he purchased Maas’ plan, Maas’s goal was achieved. After carrying the ball 147 times for 800 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games, Stanback contributed to winning the Gray Cup with 36 carries for 178 yards and a major in three playoff duels.
Stanback leaves Montreal after playing 62 games in five seasons, during which he carried the ball 625 times for 3,716 yards and 11 touchdowns. He added 107 receptions for 1,058 yards and four majors.
“We would like to thank William for the service he has provided to our team,” said general manager Danny Maciocia in a press release. Following several meetings, William and his group wanted a release before the start of the free agent market. We have agreed to accommodate him and wish him the best of luck in the future. »
As soon as the Alouettes’ season ended, we felt that the Stanback era was possibly over in Montreal. Rushing to sign his defensive pillars, Maciocia suggested that this position would perhaps be the subject of an overhaul this winter.
The three running backs had also been without a contract since the end of the calendar. Only Antwi has come to terms with the club since, and Fletcher, who has never asked for more playing time – publicly at least – is clearly ready to take on more responsibilities within an attack, that of the Alouettes or from another team.
It will be interesting to see what Maciocia does in his case, while another candidate of choice, Brady Oliveira, best running back in the CFL with 1,534 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023, will also test the free agent market this winter.
Arrival of Monday, departure of Uguak
The Montreal Alouettes signed defensive back Quindarious Monday, but also lost defensive lineman Lwal Uguak.
Monday (six-foot-three, 199 pounds), nicknamed “Smoke,” played for four years with the Auburn University Tigers. The Atlanta, Georgia native has been a starter the past two campaigns.
In total, he amassed 105 individual tackles and 66 assisted tackles in addition to making five interceptions in 48 games. The 23-year-old American added six sacks, eight pass breakups and a forced fumble to his stats.
In 2023 he was a member of New Orleans Saints.
Uguak, seventh overall pick in the 2023 draft, has signed a contract with the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He is the second Alouettes player to leave for the Goodell circuit this winter, after wide receiver Austin Mack, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons.