The Montreal Alouettes have released running back William Stanback in a move they say came at his request. He was set to become a free agent next month.
“We’d like to thank Will for his years of faithful service,” said general manager Danny Maciocia in a statement. “After several meetings with Will and his camp, he informed us that he wanted to be granted his early release before the start of free agency. We have decided to honour his wishes.”
The 29-year-old has been a member of the team since 2018 when he joined the club as a free agent following a brief stint with the Green Bay Packers. He has since recorded 625 carries for 3,716 yards and 11 touchdowns over 62 games with the club, earning CFL all-star honours in 2019 and 2021.
Stanback technically left the Alouettes in 2020, though this came during the league’s COVID-cancelled season. He attended training camp with the Las Vegas Raiders but was waived near its conclusion and signed back with Montreal before the end of the year.
The six-foot, 233-pound ball-carrier ran for 800 yards and two touchdowns this past season and made 27 receptions for 241 yards and one score. He scored a 32-yard touchdown in the Grey Cup to help his team upset the Winnipeg Blue Bombers by a score of 28-24.
The native of Hamstead, N.Y. is 3DownNation’s third-ranked free agent running back.
