Top defensive back looking at NFL

By Herb Zurkowsky,
Montreal Gazette

The Minnesota Vikings are one of four National Football League teams in contact with the Alouettes' Randee Drew and will probably have the defensive back work out before Christmas.

"They've called about him, but nothing's etched in stone," a cautious yet optimistic Ron Slavin, Drew's agent, said. "I think he showed a lot up in Canada. At worst, he'll be back there. But if we can find a situation where he receives a legitimate opportunity, we'll go that route."

Canadian Football League players entering the option year of their contracts have a window of opportunity each offseason during which they can work out and sign with NFL teams. Although the workout period began last Sunday, players can be signed only from Dec. 31 to Feb. 15.

Drew figures to be one of the Als' most-coveted players along with, potentially, kicker Damon Duval should he decide to explore his options. Duval hasn't returned messages left by The Gazette.

Drew, a 5-foot-9 195-pounder, was Montreal's nominee as outstanding rookie. Signed as a free agent in May, Drew recorded a team-leading four interceptions. He also recovered a fumble, knocked down four passes, had three sacks and 67 tackles.

"Teams like his intelligence, quickness and toughness. Plus, he didn't make many mistakes," Slavin said.

Drew took a circuitous route to Montreal after playing college football at Northern Illinois. He signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2004, and was allocated to Cologne of NFL Europe the next year. He played in the Arena league in 2006.

After the Als' playoff elimination, Drew, 26, sounded skeptical about potential NFL avenues. But now, under the right conditions, he said he would like to pursue opportunities.

"The NFL is a dream of mine. I can't lie. I'm grateful to have a home in Montreal and be with a team. But a workout's important and it's what I want. I understand this profession. There are no promises. At the same time, all I'm asking for is a fair shot. I don't want to be a training-camp body. I'm more reliable and feel I can play in the NFL. I just want a fair shot to make the team," he said.

Meanwhile, the agent for defensive-back Chip Cox, a potential free agent, said he has talked with the Als, but no offers were exchanged. His agent, Jeff Chilcoat, said three NFL teams also have inquired about Cox. But after failed attempts with Detroit and Washington, Chilcoat said the situation would have to be right for his client to try the NFL again.

Notes: Nearly a dozen Als, including Bryan Chiu, Devone Claybrooks, Duval, Kai Ellis, Davis Sanchez, Dave Stala, Anwar Stewart and Timothy Strickland, were put on recallable waivers recently. That could mean they're signing new contracts, having their deals restructured, or the team is gauging potential trade interest. ... New Calgary coach John Hufnagel said Chuck McMann, who coached Stamps receivers, won't return. McMann is a former McGill head coach.