Ernest Jackson signs with Alouettes as Argos miss out again

Ernest Jackson has signed with the Montreal Alouettes.

The 30-year-old caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime for Ottawa in the 104th Grey Cup. Jackson made 88 receptions for 1,225 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2016 on his way to being named a 2016 CFL all-star.

told terms for WR Ernest Jackson deal with @MTLAlouettes will see him paid around $220 K per year on a two-year deal #cfl @cfl

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— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 16, 2017

The six-foot-two, 220-pound receiver put up two straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Redblacks after signing as a free agent in 2015. He spent the first three years of his CFL career in B.C.

The addition is a big one for Alouettes general manager Kavis Reed, who traded for quarterback Darian Durant in January. Jackson was reportedly headed to the Argos in the early stages of free agency but now ends up with a division rival and becomes just the latest of several players Toronto has missed out on.

Sources say Jackson was close to signing with the Argos but Toronto turned their attention to Chris Williams on the opening day of free agency and that allowed Jackson to explore the market. The Double Blue missed out on Williams, who signed in B.C., while also failing to sign former Argo Chad Owens, who inked a deal in Saskatchewan.

It’s just the latest in a string of disappointments for Toronto, who were also spurned by offensive lineman Derek Dennis (who signed in Saskatchewan) and defensive backs Abdul Kanneh and Emanuel Davis, who inked deals with Hamilton.

Also worth noting: Jackson and Reed share the same agent, Tim Fleiszer of the Gil Scott Sports Management group.

Ernest will provide the Als with a legit #1 receiver in the absence of SJ (He’ll be back). He’ll make each in the corps better.

— Joey Abrams (@Joey_Abrams) February 16, 2017

The Als don’t expect S.J. Green (knee) to be ready for the beginning of the season. Without a #1 receiver they chose to sign Ernest Jackson.

— Didier Orméjuste (@DidierRDS) February 16, 2017

Durant certainly seemed pleased by the news.

Ayyyyeeee let’s get it!! https://t.co/6nhGB3ziRD

— Darian Durant (@dariandurant) February 16, 2017