ALOUETTES RETAIN GIGUERE AND VENABLE, SIGN STAFFORD

Montreal, February 9, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Tuesday that national receiver Samuel Giguère and international linebacker Winston Venable will remain with the Alouettes, as they have respectively signed new two-year and one-year deals with the club.

Giguère (6’00”, 218 lbs.) had his must productive season as a professional with the Alouettes last season. The Sherbrooke, QC native collected 368 receiving yards on 39 catches while scoring four majors in 15 regular season games. He was a double-threat for the offence, as he also recording 117 rushing yards on 16 carries. During his four seasons in CFL, the 30-year-old amassed 1,911 yards on 155 receptions. He also added seven touchdowns in 57-career games in the CFL.

“It’s excellent news to keep Samuel in Montreal where he belongs. His solid leadership, accountability, durability are characteristics that all of his teammates cherish,” said Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach, Jim Popp.

He had a tremendous college career, which is why the Hamilton Tiger-Cats made him their first-round draft pick (eighth overall) in the CFL Canadian Draft in 2008. He was voted the CIS rookie of the year in 2005 with the Sherbrooke University Vert et Or and was elected an All-Canadian following the 2007 season.

Giguère spent two seasons on the Indianapolis Colts practice roster prior to joining the CFL ranks in 2012. All while practicing with legendary quarterback Peyton Manning on a daily basis with the Colts, he also dressed for a game during which he returned five kickoffs for 122 yards. He was also a member of the New York Giants practice quad in 2011.

Venable (5’11”, 220 lbs.) had a great 2015 season, his first full season as a starter, as he was elected a CFL All-Star. He neutralized offensive units across the CFL, as he amassed an impressive total of 104 defensive tackles, which placed him first on the Alouettes and third in the CFL. He was also voted the Alouettes most outstanding defensive player. The 28-year-old also collected five quarterback sacks while forcing a fumble and knocking down three passes. His input helped the Alouettes defence surrender only 22.3 points per game all while sacking opposing quarterbacks 55 times during the course of the season, good for second place in the CFL.

“Winston has quickly elevated himself as one of the top defensive players in the league. This was an important re-signing to help anchor our defensive scheme. His work ethic and love for the game makes it a real joy to coach him on a daily basis,” declared Popp.

In three seasons in Montreal, the former Boise State University Bronco collected 158 defensive tackles, including five sacks while forcing four fumbles in 37 games.

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Montreal, February 9, 2016 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Tuesday that international receiver Kenny Stafford is returning to the nest, as he has signed a one-year deal with the club.

Stafford (6’3″, 204 lbs.) helped the Eskimos win the Grey Cup last season following a trade during the off-season. In 18 games with the Eskimos, the 25-year-old completed the season with 732 receiving yards on 47 catches, while leading the team with nine touchdown receptions.

“We are very happy to have Kenny back in the nest. He brings size, speed, and big play abilities to the lineup,” said Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach, Jim Popp.

The former University of Toledo Rocket will once again team up with his cousin Duron Carter, as the two had played together in Montreal in 2014. During the Western Final with the Eskimos, Stafford made three catches for 74 yards while scoring a major. He also caught a 24-yard pass during the Eskimos’ Grey Cup victory.