Former Montreal Alouettes running back William Stanback has reportedly signed a contract with the British Columbia Lions.
This was claimed by the site 3DownNation on Tuesday, a week after “Als” released the 29-year-old American.
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The veteran could have become a free agent on February 13, but he asked the Belle Province team to let him go in advance to negotiate with other Canadian Football League (CFL) teams.
Stanback joined the Alouettes in 2018. He was crowned Eastern Section MVP in 2021, the year he led the CFL in rushing yards (1,176). The running back was named to the Ambrosie Tour All-Star team twice (2019 and 2021) and won the Gray Cup last year.
In 62 career games, Stanback has rushed for 3,716 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also caught 142 passes for 1,058 yards and four majors.
With the Lions, he will reunite with quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. The two friends wore the Sparrows colors together from 2018 to 2022.
Oliveira remains in Winnipeg
If Alouettes general manager Danny Maciocia wanted to turn to running back Brady Oliveira to replace Stanback, he'll have to find a new plan.
In fact, last season's Canadian MVP in the CFL signed a two-year contract extension with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In doing so, he renounced his autonomy.
The 26-year-old has 1,534 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground and 482 yards and four touchdowns through the air in 2023. He is just the second running back from Canada to record 2,000 yards in a season.
Ouellette also finds work
AJ Ouellette, who was considered the second-best running back heading into free agency, has already found a new team.
The one who wore the colors of the Toronto Argonauts from 2019 to 2022 would have signed a contract with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, according to the TSN network.
Last year, the 28-year-old American managed 1,009 yards and eight touchdowns. He also caught 16 passes for 163 yards and four majors.