The Montreal Alouettes are making strategic moves in the offseason, securing their lineup for the coming years. The franchise recently announced that they have signed American players offensive tackle Jamar McGloster and defensive back Dionté Ruffin to two-year contracts, ensuring their stay with the team through the 2025 season.
Both athletes have been central to the Alouettes’ recent playoff campaigns. In their latest postseason, McGloster and Ruffin both showed their value on the gridiron. The signings come at a critical time as the Alouettes aim to maintain a competitive edge in the CFL.
Jamar McGloster stands out at six-foot-seven and weighs 308 pounds. His presence was especially noted during the Grey Cup, where his performance was crucial to the Alouettes’ victory. He paved the way for running back William Stanback, helping him reach the end zone. Additionally, thanks to McGloster’s effective blocking, quarterback Cody Fajardo completed 21 of his 26 pass attempts, throwing for 290 yards and three touchdowns, leading to a tight 28-24 triumph over Winnipeg. McGloster, who is 28 years old, appeared in 11 regular-season games for Montreal in 2023. Before his tenure with the Alouettes, which began in 2022, McGloster gained experience with various NFL teams, including stints with San Francisco, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Oakland.
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Une prolongation de taille sur la ligne offensive.
Strengthening our offensive line.
🖊️ → https://t.co/Mb1surOfxR#Alouettes présentée par @Miseojeu. pic.twitter.com/RrSYSLF6vO
— Alouettes de Montréal (@MTLAlouettes)
December 12, 2023
On the other side of the ball, Dionté Ruffin, standing at five-foot-10 and 177 pounds, also proved his fortitude throughout the season. Ruffin recorded 23 tackles and forced a turnover in the 12 regular-season games he played. His playoff performance included seven defensive tackles and a critical knockdown, contributing to the team’s Grey Cup success. At 24 years old, Ruffin brought college experience from the University of Western Kentucky Hilltoppers to the professional field. His professional journey in the CFL started with the Stampeders, where in 2022, over nine games, he managed 39 defensive tackles and snagged an interception. Ruffin also has experience with the NFL, having been part of the Chicago Bears organization.
The signings of McGloster and Ruffin are part of the Alouettes’ focused approach to team building. With these foundational players locked in for the next two seasons, Montreal looks poised to continue its momentum and keep its roster robust to face the challenges of upcoming CFL campaigns.
