Montreal Alouettes Sign Three Players

The Montreal Alouettes today announced some roster moves in preparation for their trip to British Columbia to face off against the Lions.

The team announced it signed fullback Dahrran Diedrick to a one-year contract, quarterback Jonathan Crompton to a three-year contract and added linebacker Kyler Elsworth to the practice roster. To make room, quarterback Zach Zulli was released from the practice roster.

Diedrick is familiar to the Alouettes and their fans. He was with the team from 2006-2012 before being traded to the Hamilton Tiger Cats. The 35 year old was traded last year for a fourth round pick.

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He also played a role on special teams. He was likely added to the mix to an Alouettes backfield that is dealing with Tyrell Sutton and Jean-Christophe Beaulieu on the six-game injured list. He can provide Canadian (… oh sorry, National) support for the team.

The interesting move may just be adding Jonathan Crompton. Crompton was released by the Edmonton Eskimos in the pre-season and is only 26 years old. Last year with the Eskimos, Crompton completed 30 of his 58 passes for 451 yards, in addition to recording five touchdowns in eight games. He also registered 20 rushing yards on five runs, scoring one rushing touchdown.

The interesting thing is that this leaves the Alouettes with four veteran quarterbacks on the roster so which one will take a spot on the practice roster? The Canadian Football League does not have any limit on time that a player can be assigned to the practice roster, however the player has the right to reject the appointment.

It is likely that a three-year contract means that Crompton won’t mind being on the practice roster for a few weeks until he gets acclimated to the team, buying the team time until they place Alex Brink or Tanner Marsh on the practice roster. I doubt the Alouettes will keep four quarterbacks on the roster long-term when even the third quarterback doesn’t get game action.

Elsworth is a typical Jim Popp wild card. He played for Popp’s alma mater Michigan State Spartans and led them to a Rose Bowl victory. He was named the most valuable defensive player of the game and made four tackles including a game-sealing tackle on fourth down. The Alouettes won’t be able to keep Chip Cox and Kyries Hebert forever, and their depth if there are injuries is thin.