Courtesy Montreal Gazette:

The Alouettes’ offence, which struggled to score last season, suddenly is beginning to take shape and has the potential of being a formidable unit - provided it protects Anthony Calvillo.

Montreal announced the signing yesterday of veteran import receiver-returner Jason Armstead. The Gazette was the first to report that Armstead had contacted the Als and was negotiating with the team.

Armstead was seeking at least $100,000 from Montreal. The Als are believed to have offered a base salary of $80,000.

He was released last month by Hamilton after refusing a contract extension.

“We’ll see how he fits into the mix as a receiver. Obviously, he’ll be looked at as a returner,” assistant general manager Marcel Desjardins said. “He, in theory, solves two issues, because he’s a receiver and returner. He gives us depth and is an explosive player. He has proven it. He will help us.”

Armstead, 28, is expected on the field today. His signing makes Tony Tompkins’s presence moot. Tompkins, the former Edmonton Eskimo, was signed as a free agent during the winter. But he hasn’t looked impressive at training camp. The Als are trying to trade him. If unsuccessful, Tompkins will be released.

Armstead, a 5-foot-9 and 175-pounder, broke into the CFL in 2004 with Ottawa, and was an all-star the following season, when he caught 89 passes for 1,307 yards and five touchdowns.

He was selected third overall by Saskatchewan in the 2006 dispersal draft of Renegades players.

Read More….