The Montreal Alouettes have signed Canadian linebacker Alexandre Gagné to a one-year contract extension for the 2026 CFL season. He was scheduled to become a free agent in February.
The six-foot-one, 230-pound defender suited up for all 18 regular-season games in 2025 plus the East Semi-Final, East Final and 112th Grey Cup. He finished second in the CFL with 25 special teams tackles behind teammate Tyrell Richards. Last season, the St. Hubert, Que. native tied a single-game record with seven special teams tackles in Week 1 against the Toronto Argonauts.
“Alexandre is someone we can rely on to lead by example. He never makes waves and is incredibly effective. He is the perfect definition of an unsung hero,” general manager Danny Maciocia said in a statement.
The 33-year-old has recorded 129 special teams tackles over 123 regular-season games in his CFL career. He spent his first three seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and then went to Montreal for the last five. In 2023, Gagné helped the Alouettes win the franchise’s first Grey Cup since 2010.
The Alouettes have also signed American defensive lineman Diwun Black to a two-year contract through the 2027 season. The 25-year-old played for the University of Florida and Temple University.
During eight games with the Owls in 2024, Black recorded 19 defensive tackles, four assisted tackles, three knockdowns, and he forced two fumbles. The Forest, Miss. native spent time with the Baltimore Ravens in 2025.
The Alouettes finished second in the East Division standings in 2025 with a 10-8 record and beat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the East Final before losing the 112th Grey Cup to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Davis Alexander went 7-0 as a starter during the regular-season, though he missed 11 games due to a hamstring injury.
Montreal ranked eighth in net offence, first in net defence, and third with a turnover differential of plus-eight. The club’s leading rusher was Stevie Scott III with 418 yards, the leading receiver was Tyler Snead with 1,129 yards, and the leading tackler was Darnell Sankey with 103 tackles. Montreal finished sixth in attendance with average crowds of 21,132, which was a 0.8 percent decrease from the previous year.
