Ticats deal offensive lineman Brian Simmons to Alouettes (and why they did it)

For the second time in his career, Brian Simmons has been traded away by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

The veteran offensive lineman was dealt to the Montreal Alouettes on Thursday in exchange for defensive back Ethan Davis. The 24-year-old played in 11 games (10 starts) last season in his first year for Montreal, posting 41 defensive tackles and two forced fumbles. The 5-foot-10, 188 pounder played primarily at the boundary corner – a trouble spot for Hamilton last season – before going on the six-game injury list after a Sept. 9 game against B.C.

Ethan Davis opened the season as the starting short side corner for #Alsmtl in '16, but got benched as season wore on…

3:00

↑ what lands at 3 p.m. daily

3DownNation Daily

Get game analysis, stats, and more daily at 3pm

Here’s exactly what you’ll get.

One email. Every weekday at 3 p.m. Your daily CFL briefing.

• ✓ Canadian football's biggest stories
• ✓ Smart game analysis
• ✓ Every CFL transaction covered with exclusive insight

Email Address

Subscribe →

Free. Unsubscribe anytime. By signing up you agree to receive daily emails from 3DownNation, as well as our terms of service and privacy policy. 1900 Rose St, Regina SK S4P 0A9.

— Joey Alfieri (@joeyalfieri) February 23, 2017

Simmons, now 31, originally signed with the Ticats in 2011 and has started 72 games in six CFL seasons, and can play multiple positions . He was dealt to the Edmonton Eskimos in September of 2015 and won a Grey Cup ring with the team before re-signing with Hamilton last off-season.

Simmons started 11 games for the Ticats last season but fell out of favour and finished the season on the six-game injured list. Hamilton has the recently re-signed Xavier Fulton as well Jake Olson (who missed last season due to injury) and Jeremy Lewis under contract. The team may also opt to start a Canadian at right tackle, lessening the need for international talent.

With Alouettes are looking to start Americans at the offensive tackle spot and Simmons should get a chance to compete for a starting job while Davis will be among a number of Americans competing for a starting job in what is rapidly becoming a very crowded secondary.