Deslauriers returns to Als
27. Jan, 2012 
3 Comments
Non-import receiver Eric Deslauriers, a former first-round draft choice, has turned his back on potential free agency next month.
Instead, Deslauriers on Friday signed a new two-year deal with the Alouettes, it was announced.
The 6-foot-4, 206 pounder returns for a sixth season after being selected seventh overall in the 2006 Canadian Football League draft.
Deslauriers caught six passes for 98 yards last season, scoring two touchdowns. That including Anthony Calvillo’s record-breaking 395th career TD pass against Toronto, July 15.
Deslauriers also connected with Calvillo for a 75-yard pass-and-run score in Montreal’s semifinal overtime defeat against Hamilton in November.
Deslauriers was one of 14 players signed to contracts on Friday, including three 2011 draft choices – offensive-tackle Anthony Barrette, defensive-back Blaine Ruttan and guard Reed Alexander.
Other signings:
Receivers Travon Patterson, Sidney Stewart and Trent Guy; defensive backs Vince Anderson, Daryl Townsend and Michael Carter; defensive ends Daunte Akra, Chris Hodgson and Ventrell Jenkins, and defensive-tackle Tremaine Johnson.
The Als also confirmed the retirement of safety Tad Crawford – something Als Inside/Out originally reported following the season. Crawford spend one season with Montreal, joining the team as a free agent from British Columbia. He dressed for nine games before suffering a concussion at Hamilton, Sept. 5.
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Like you said, last season Eric Deslauriers caught 6 passes for 98 yards while scoring two touchdowns — including AC record breaker. The Als gave him an increase so I hope they do plan to use him, otherwise it would have been a waste of money that could have been spent on defensive help.
Good-Bye Crawford. As for the Boulay signing, due to injuries, last season the safety position was shared between rookie Jeff Hecht and BC veteran castoff Tad Crawford and, to be kind; that did not work. A HEALTHY Etienne Boulay will be a great improvement. As for Hecht, he was a rooky and should improve.
I don’t know too much about the other players that Popp signed so I would have to look them up and comment later.
Guess the Als saw something last season, maybe more in practice than games, to raise their opinion of ED. The only slight downside is that they then need another Canadian receiver to fill the reserve receiver role, allowing DesLauriers to free up an import for use elsewhere.
Good to have Boulay back, he has more pure talent than Crawford and should help upgrade the defensive backfield.
Sad to see any player retire due to injury.
NOTHING TO SEE HERE!!!!!!!