Per the Canadian Press (1/20/2024), the Montreal Alouettes have re-signed Najee Murray and Avery Ellis. Both players would have become free agents on February 13 had a contract not been signed.
DB Najee Murray – Kent State (29 y/o, 5’8, 194 lbs)
In 2022 Najee Murray played in 13 games with 9 starts in the defensive secondary at halfback. He also started in both playoff games in 2022 at halfback. Murray transitioned to strong-side linebacker for the 2023 season. He started in 5 games at linebacker and 1 game at halfback last season before his season was ended early by a torn pectoral muscle.
Murray was named to the Pro Football Focus Team of the Week in week 1 and in week 8. Over 6 games in 2023, he made 33 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and a pass defended.
Murray has played in 39 CFL games since joining the CFL with the Alouettes in 2018 and has amassed 119 tackles, 7 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and a sack.
DE Avery Ellis – Temple (29 y/o, 6’2, 250 lbs)
Avery Ellis played his first season with the Alouettes in 2022 where he played in 9 games with 7 starts at defensive end before being traded to the Edmonton Elks. He played in 7 games for the Elks with 6 starts at defensive end.
Ellis signed with the Alouettes ahead of the 2023 season. He played in 13 regular season games at defensive end for the Alouettes with 2 starts at defensive end and played in all 3 of their playoff games.
Ellis contributed 9 tackles and a sack over the 2023 regular season. He added 5 tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, and 2 QB hurries over the Alouettes’ 3 playoff games. He made a stop against a short pass in the Eastern Final and a run stop in the Grey Cup. He was named to the Pro Football Focus Team of the Week in week 10.
Ellis joined the CFL in 2017 with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2017 where he played his first 4 seasons. He has played in 87 CFL regular season games contributing 172 tackles, 26 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.
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