MONTREAL — Darnell Sankey will get a head start as a CFL free agent.
The star midfielder and the Montreal Alouettes have agreed to part ways, according to a league source.
The source spoke on condition of anonymity because the CFL club has not officially announced the move. But after his release, Sankey will become a free agent.
The strong Sankey signed a one-year contract with the Alouettes midway through the 2023 season, helping the franchise win its eighth Gray Cup title.
The 31-year-old American then signed a two-year extension in Montreal.
He had 101 defensive tackles and two sacks in the regular season this year before the Alouettes lost 25-17 to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Gray Cup game.
In 2024, Sankey had 107 defensive tackles, one sack, one interception and three forced fumbles as Montreal topped the standings but lost to the Toronto Argonauts in the East Division finals.
The six-foot, 242-pound Sankey led the CFL in tackles with the Calgary Stampeders in 2021 and the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2022 before heading to the XFL, where he helped the Arlington Renegades capture a championship.
Additionally, the Alouettes announced Thursday that they have extended Canadian midfielder Jeffrey Cantin-Arcu's contract by two years through 2027.
This season, Cantin-Arcu recorded 38 tackles on defense and six special teams tackles. He also earned four sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles.
On Tuesday, Montreal extended quarterback Davis Alexander's contract by one year until 2028. The team also signed offensive lineman Pierre-Olivier Lestage and wide receiver Tyson Philpot early in the offseason.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 11, 2025.
