The Montreal Alouettes have re-signed linebacker Darnell Sankey, per sources. It’s a two-year contract extension through the 2025 season.
The 29-year-old signed with the Als in mid-September. He made 31 tackles, forced two fumbles with one sack and one interception in six regular-season games. During the playoffs, the hard-hitting defender registered eight tackles, two sacks and one interception in the Eastern Semi-Final, six tackles, one interception and one forced fumble in the Eastern Final plus eight tackles and one sack in the 110th Grey Cup.
Sankey signed in the XFL after hitting CFL free agency last February but had been eyeing a return north of the border after he was granted his release on August 1. He played for the Arlington Renegades this past season, recording 47 total tackles and one sack. His team finished second in the South Division and went on an undefeated postseason run that culminated in a 35-26 win over the DC Defenders in the XFL Championship Game.
Prior to leaving for the XFL, Sankey set a new franchise record with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2022 when he recorded 120 defensive tackles with two special teams tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception.
The six-foot-one, 245-pound defender played his first CFL season with the Calgary Stampeders in 2021 and made 98 total tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. He was named a West Division all-star for his efforts.
Through 38 games in the CFL, Sankey has made 248 tackles, five sacks, forced five fumbles and grabbed two interceptions.
The Sacramento State University product went unselected in the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent time with the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints, earning nearly $400,000 USD.
Sankey was a key mid-season addition for Montreal and solidified the middle linebacker position as the Alouettes went on an improbable CFL championship run.
