The Canadian Press
MONTREAL — The Montreal Alouettes have added some veteran depth to their defensive backfield, announcing the signing of defensive back Ryan Phillips to a one-year deal on Wednesday.
Phillips, 34, was released by the BC Lions last week after 12 seasons with the club.
“Ryan Phillips will bring some veteran leadership attitude, and a winning pedigree to the Alouettes,” said General Manager Kavis Reed. “He has tremendous knowledge of the league and we have the upmost confidence he will be a true game-changer for us. His character and constant determination to win are two things we look forward when integrating him to our defensive squad.”
Phillips joins the Alouettes after suiting up only for the BC Lions since his debut in 2005. He amassed a total of 489 defensive tackles, adding 29 special teams tackles to go along with five quarterback sacks during his tenure with the Lions. He also racked up 68 knockdowns and an impressive 47 interceptions, all while forcing four fumbles.
The four-time CFL All-Star (2007, 2010, 2012, 2013) and five-time West Division All-Star (2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015) was an important member of the 2006 and 2011 Grey Cup Championship-winning teams. He participated in 15 playoff games collecting 33 defensive tackles as well as an interception he then returned for a touchdown. He added four tackles in two Grey Cup appearances.
He is coming off another great season where he appeared in all 18 games for the 11th time in his 12 years in the league. In 212 career regular season games, 196 of which he started, the Seattle, Wash. native engraved his name in the BC Lions record book many times, including most defensive touchdowns with six and most interception return yards with 816.
Phillips only missed four games since the beginning of his career in Canada. The 34-year-old athlete attended Eastern Washington University where he was named an All-Big Sky All-Conference selection in his senior year in 2004.
