Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
OTTAWA — Kyries Hebert didn’t have to wait long, or go far, to find a new team.
Hours after being released by the Montreal Alouettes, the veteran linebacker has signed a one-year contract with the Ottawa REDBLACKS, the club announced Friday.
The signing is a homecoming of sorts for the 37-year-old Los Angeles native, having spent the 2004 and 2005 seasons as a member of the Ottawa Renegades to kick off his CFL career.
“The REDBLACKS are thrilled to be able to sign a dominant defensive player and dynamic leader,” said General Manager Marcel Desjardins, who quickly snapped up Hebert after his release by the Montreal Alouettes on Friday.
“Kyries has familiarity with Coach Thorpe and his defence and will be a tremendous asset to our roster.”
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Kyries Hebert tackles Alouettes running back Robert Edwards as a member of the Renegades (The Canadian Press)
Hebert had a career-high 110 defensive tackles for Montreal last season, along with two sacks, an interception and three forced fumbles. The Louisiana-Lafayette product spent the last six seasons with the Alouettes and has also suited up for Hamilton and Winnipeg during his CFL career. Hebert also played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2007-2010 before returning to Canada.
In 162 career CFL games, Hebert has 582 defensive tackles, 145 special teams tackles, 28 sacks, 12 interceptions, two touchdowns and 18 forced fumbles.
The 2017 East-Division and 2012 CFL All-Star was the 2013 recipient of the Tom Pate Memorial Award for outstanding sportsmanship and the 2017 recipient of the James P. McCaffrey Trophy last year as the East’s most outstanding defensive player.
Hebert was granted his release Friday morning, leaving the Alouettes after six seasons.
“We would like to thank Kyries for everything he has done for this organization on and off the field,” Alouettes general manager Kavis Reed said in a statement. “He has impacted the lives of many since he arrived in Montreal and we wish him the best in his future projects.”
