Montreal Alouettes released veteran DT Almondo to Sewell

The Montreal Alouettes have released veteran All-American defensive tackle Almondo Sewell, according to sources.

The 37-year-old has one year left on his contract with the team and was due to earn a hefty $145,000, but will now be on the market after being asked to be released. He played in 16 games for the Alouettes in 2023, recording 14 tackles and one sack while helping the franchise lift its eighth Gray Cup.

Sewell played in 185 career CFL games over 12 seasons, recording 334 defensive tackles and 69 quarterback sacks. He was named the star of the league six times.

The former University of Akron commit played nine seasons in Edmonton before coming to Montreal in 2021. He won the Gray Cup with the green and gold in 2015, his only championship appearance so far this year.

The move is expected to mark a change in attitude for the Alouettes after Canadian defensive end Lwal Uguak left for the NFL. The team may now be in free agency in the market for a national starter on defense.

Montreal opens the 2024 season when it visits the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for a Gray Cup rematch on June 6 at Princess Auto Stadium.