MONTREAL — Linebacker Kyries Hebert is remaining in the city he has called home for five seasons as he has signed a contract extension with the Montreal Alouettes and avoided free agency.
The Alouettes tweeted out that it is a two-year deal with the veteran defender.
“Kyries has quickly elevated himself as one of the top defensive players in the league and has showed great consistency over the years. This was an important re-signing for our team because he is a reliable player on defence and very effective when asked to play on special teams”, commented Alouettes General Manager Kavis Reed. “He has strong work ethic and has the ability to make key plays when he is on the field”, added Reed.
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In five seasons in Montreal, the former Louisiana-Lafayette University Ragin’ Cajun amassed 281 defensive tackles and 43 special teams tackles. He also added 18 quarterback sacks and four interceptions, while defending the Alouettes colours. Hebert will be in his eleventh season in the CFL. He was named an East Division and a CFL All-Star in 2012, leading the league with 28 special teams tackles during his first year in Montreal.
The Eunice, LA native athlete played with the Houston Texans in 2002 before joining the Ottawa Renegades for two seasons. He then played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2006 and 2007. He went back to the NFL in 2008 with the Cincinnati Bengals and was named a special team’s captain in 2009.
The Montreal Alouettes also announced on Tuesday that the club has signed national linebacker Nicolas Boulay to a two-year contract extension. Receiver Kyle Graves was inked to a new two-year deal as well.
Boulay has established himself as an effective and hard-nosed player in the CFL since his debuts with the team in 2013. The 6-foot 200-pounder was a fourth round (30th total) selection by the Alouettes in the 2013 Canadian CFL draft. He has shown constant progression over the years, fulfilling the many roles he was entrusted by its coaches. He suited up for all 18 games last season, recording 21 special teams tackles, good for third place in the CFL and only two tackles behind new teammate Frédéric Plesius.
“He is a solid player with a real understanding of the game. Nicolas is always willing to do what is needed to have success”, said Alouettes General Manager Kavis Reed. “He is a relentless hard worker on and off the field representing the Alouettes”, added Reed.
The Magog, Qc native played 70 games during his four years with the club and he registered 28 defensive tackles and 51 special teams tackles. The former product of the Université de Sherbrooke Vert & Or is also heavily involved in the Alouettes community initiatives, he who partakes in the Together at School program since day. He also helps to put smiles on kids faces during hospital visits as well as helping out with the annual blood drive and the Alouettes Junior Camps.
The Alouettes also announced on Monday that national receiver Kyle Graves agreed to a two-year contract extension with the club.
Graves has quickly become an important member of the Alouettes’ roster by showing great versatility since joining the Alouettes in 2012 and by playing a valuable role on special teams as the kick holder as well as on punts when asked to kick. The Barrie, ON native will start his fifth season in the CFL, all of them with Montreal. The 27-year-old athlete played a total of 34 regular season games in his career, including all 18 matchups last year. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder also suited up for three playoff games in career.
In his final season with the Acadia University Axemen where he played at quaterback, Graves led his team to a 7-1 record, losing only to the eventual Vanier Cup champion Laval Rouge et Or. In 2012, Graves led all Atlantic Conference quarterbacks in passing yards (2,012), touchdown passes (14) and completion percentage (57.1), while throwing only four interceptions in eight games.
