David Chidley/CFL.ca
MONTREAL — The Montreal Alouettes have bolstered their offensive line, adding international offensive tackle Brian Simmons in a trade with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Going to Hamilton is sophomore defensive back Ethan Davis.
Simmons started all 11 games he played in for the Ticats in 2016 before being placed on the six-game injured list in Week 12. The 31-year-old is entering his seventh season in the CFL and is in position to start along the Alouettes’ new-look offensive line.
“Brian brings a lot of experience with him to Montreal and we foresee that he will be able to keep performing at a high level,” said Alouettes general manager Kavis Reed. “His size and his capacity to play different positions on the offensive line are important assets for us.”
Ethan Davis (left) looks to make a play on Winnipeg’s Darvin Adams (right) during a game in 2016 (Jason Halstead/CFL.ca)
The 6-foot-5, 317-pound tackle, who was also a member of the Eskimos last season, has been a starter for all 71 regular season games he played in the CFL. He was named on the East Division All-Star team in 2014 and also crowned with the Tiger-Cats’ Most Outstanding lineman honour that same season.
Set to enter his second CFL season, Davis heads to the Ticats after starting 10 games for the Als in 2016 at corner. In his first professional season, the 24-year-old recorded 41 defensive tackles and two forced fumbles.
The 5-foot-10, 188-pound native of Lynn Haven, Fla. spent time with the NFL’s Detroit Lions in 2015 after signing as an undrafted free agent on Aug. 4. Prior to turning pro, he played four seasons at Troy State University (2011-14), posting 77 total tackles, three tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception.
Davis started all 24 games in his final two seasons with the Trojans.
