The Montreal Alouettes confirmed on Tuesday they have secured the services of three homegrown talents by extending the contracts of linebacker Tyrell Richards, linebacker Frédéric Chagnon, and fullback Alexandre Gagné.
Tyrell Richards, measuring at six-foot-four and 218 pounds, notched ten defensive tackles and contributed to 11 special teams plays across 11 regular-season appearances. Enriching his stats, he recorded a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown, alongside forcing and recovering a fumble, factors that underscored his defensive capabilities. Richards’ presence was also felt in the playoffs, where he took part in two critical matches on the path to the Grey Cup victory. A prominent figure in the 2022 CFL Draft, Richards was selected first overall by the Alouettes after his tenure with Syracuse University Orange. The 25-year-old hails from Brampton, ON, and has shown that he can translate his potential into top-tier performances on the field.
Frédéric Chagnon, also standing at six-foot-four and weighing in at 233 pounds, was a mainstay for the Alouettes, participating in all 18 games in the 2023 season, six as a starting player. The linebacker’s season tally reached 26 defensive tackles and eight on special teams, in addition to knocking down two passes and securing a sack. Chagnon’s experience shone through in three playoff games, which contributed to the team’s Grey Cup triumph. The Quebec native joined the Alouettes in 2022, following stints with the BC Lions, his initial team that drafted him in the third round (24th overall) in 2017, and the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Prior to his professional career, Chagnon witnessed success with the Carabins, capturing the Vanier Cup in 2014.
Alexandre Gagné, standing at six-foot-one and tipping the scales at 230 pounds, also enjoyed a full season run, participating in every game for the Alouettes including playoff showdowns, culminating in Grey Cup glory. Throughout the 18 regular-season encounters, Gagné accounted for one defensive tackle along with 16 on special teams, securing the twelfth rank in the CFL for his special teams exploits. Looking back at his playoff contributions, he notched an additional five special teams tackles. The Quebecer set foot in Montreal in 2021 after three campaigns with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
General Manager of the Alouettes, Danny Maciocia, expressed satisfaction with these key re-signings. Maciocia highlighted the defensive growth of Chagnon and Richards and predicted further progression. He lauded Gagné for his consistent special teams impact and underlined his tackling prowess.
Locking in these three notable players underscores Montreal’s commitment to building a solid core of nationals, buoying prospects for another competitive season ahead in Canadian football’s elite arena.
