January 29, 2014

Als release veteran Byron Parker; sign Stafford, Matha

CFL.ca

CFL.ca Staff

MONTREAL — The Montreal Alouettes announced today that they have released veteran cornerback Byron Parker after just one injury-plagued season.

Parker played in 13 games in 2013, recording 32 tackles and one interception. 

 Last season, he returned to the East Division following a one-year stint with the BC Lions in 2012 where he generated 38 defensive tackles and one interception in 18 games.

Parker, known best for his time in Toronto, currently holds the CFL record for most Interception Return Touchdowns in a career with nine.  Since joining the league in 2005, the Tulane grad has amassed 268 defensive tackles, 19 special teams tackles and 30 interceptions to go along with five fumble recoveries.

The nine-year veteran spent the majority of his career with Toronto until 2012, with a brief stint in Edmonton midway through 2009.

The Alouettes also announced on Friday that the club has signed import receiver Kenny Stafford and import offensive lineman Dan Matha to new two-year.

Stafford, made his CFL pre-season debut in 2013 at home with Montreal on June 14 against the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats, scoring a touchdown on a spectacular 75-yard catch-and-run play in the fourth quarter.

Prior to participating in Montreal’s training camp last year, the 23-year-old attended the Atlanta Falcons’ training camp in 2012 after completing his collegiate career at the University of Toledo.

“We welcome Kenny back to the club. He is a great talent who we will continue to help develop,” explained Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach Jim Popp. “He returns after getting valuable playing time in the CFL, and it’s always nice to give family a chance to play together as he joins his cousin Duron Carter.”

The nephew of NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter, Stafford also spent time on the Stampeders’ practice roster in 2013, signing with Calgary on August 28. The Columbus, OH native eventually cracked the starting line-up on September 13 on his way to recording six catches for 37 yards in three games.

Matha (6’6”, 310 lbs.), a former offensive tackle with Indiana University of Pennsylvania, was invited to work out with the Cincinnati Bengals last season, during the team’s rookie mini-camp in May.

“Dan is a strong, hulking young man who we had our sights on last year. We are fortunate that he is available, and to give him the opportunity to compete for a job in camp,” added Popp.

During a very successful collegiate career, in 2012 Matha was named to the second team of the Don Hansen NCAA Division II as an offensive tackle.

The club also announced on Friday that non-import linebacker Brian Ridgeway has announced his retirement.