Montreal Alouettes quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. has lots of respect for Canadian linebacker Henoc Muamba.
However, according to Als general manager Danny Maciocia, “it’s almost a foregone conclusion” the team will be parting ways with the reigning Most Outstanding Canadian.
“That’s tough man because no lie Henoc is a great leader, he’s one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around,” Adams Jr. said on TSN 690 radio in Montreal.
“His play, getting in early and staying late, off the field, everything he does is second to none, and a great dude as well.”
Adams Jr. and Muamba have spent parts of the last three seasons together, the last 11 games of the 2017 season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and two full years in Montreal. Both players were key leaders in a turnaround in La Belle Province during the 2019 campaign as the Als went 10-8 and made the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Over the last two seasons, Muamba has played at an elite level — regardless of his passport — earning league all-star honours. During his last two years in Montreal, the 2011 first overall CFL Draft pick has tallied 201 tackles, six sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception from his middle linebacker spot.
“It’s a tough position to fill. I don’t know what we’re going to do at that position,” Adams Jr. said. “I’ll leave it up to those guys, I trust Danny and all those guys to get it done. Whether it is Henoc or one of these new guys, we’ll be ready.”
Even though Adams Jr. believes the role can be filled, it’s clear he’d rather have his trusted teammate lining up and leading the defence. Muamba remains a free agent and East Division rival, the Toronto Argonauts have made a pitch for his services.
