The Montreal Alouettes have agreed to terms with Canadian defensive tackle Derek Wiggan and, barring anything unforeseen, he’s expected to join the team on a one-year contract for the 2024 season, per sources.
The 31-year-old played all 18 games for the Calgary Stampeders last season, his fourth consecutive campaign without missing a contest due to injury. He finished the year with 16 defensive tackles and four sacks, tying a previous career-high set in 2019.
Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2014 CFL Draft, Wiggan returned for a final season at Queen’s University before joining the Stampeders in 2015. He has spent all eight CFL seasons with the club, collecting 161 defensive tackles, six special teams tackles, 19 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception in 133 career games.
The Alouettes released veteran American defensive tackle Almondo Sewell earlier on Thursday, signalling a potential ratio shift at the position. The team is looking to fill a void after Canadian defensive end Lwal Uguak signed with the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers last month.
Pending free agents can negotiate with teams across the league during the current window, which closes on Feb. 11. Players can agree to terms on a contract with a particular team for 2024, however, these deals aren’t legally binding and can’t be finalized or made official until after free agency opens on Feb. 13.
Montreal will open the 2024 season on June 6 when they visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for a Grey Cup rematch at Princess Auto Stadium.
