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News January 14, 2015

End of an Era: Esks ship Stamps to Als for Stafford

CFL.ca

CFL.ca Staff

TORONTO — Another day, another trade in the CFL.

The Montreal Alouettes have acquired eight-year veteran and four-time CFL All-Star Fred Stamps in exchange for wide receiver Kenny Stafford.

For many, the trade is not a total surprise.

Following Edmonton’s 43-18 defeat in the West Final in Calgary, Stamps was quoted by Chris O’Leary from the Edmonton Journal stating, “This will probably be my last game as an Eskimo. Hopefully, it’s not.”

It seemed Stamps saw the possibility coming ahead of many.

“Fred Stamps has been one of the top receivers in the CFL over the last 5 years,” declared Alouettes General Manager, Jim Popp. “This addition adds strength, character, and another high-level performer to our solid receiving core.”

Stamps spent his entire six-year career in Edmonton, and leaves the organization as one of the top receivers in franchise history. He finishes fifth in touchdown receptions (49), third in receptions (496), second in receiving yards (7,932) and tied for second with 1,000 yard seasons (6).

For the Alouettes, the trade comes amid an uncertainty amongst the teams receiving core with free-agents to be; Duron Carter, S.J. Green and Bo Bowling.

Stafford, who just finished his sophomore season in the CFL had his best season last year where he set career-highs in catches (20), receiving yards (230) and scored his first touchdown in the league against Winnipeg in Week three.

“Fred’s on-field accomplishments are well documented. We thank him for his contributions to the organization and wish him the best,” says Eskimo General Manager Ed Hervey.  “We welcome Kenny Stafford to the Eskimo family and look forward to watching him compete.”