Despite outstanding season, linebacker Kyries Hebert is released by Alouettes, immediately signs with Redblacks
GM Reed believes team he has assembled is stronger than last year’s embarrassment
Perhaps the writing was on the wall for Kyries Hebert as early as November, when he was named the CFL’s East Division nominee as outstanding defensive player on a team that went 3-15 and allowed 580 points.
That’s how the Alouettes do things, releasing, or trading, players after they’ve seemingly had outstanding individual seasons.
At least with Hebert — unlike with Bear Woods — they had the decency to release him in February, at his request, before rosters had been established and contracts were offered to free agents.
Woods, the division’s outstanding defensive player in 2014 and 16, was shocked by his departure on the second day of training camp last May. He had to wait 10 days before signing with the Toronto Argonauts.
Hebert’s time on the unemployment line was much shorter — less than four hours — before he signed a one-year contract with the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday. Woods got the last laugh, winning a Grey Cup with the Argonauts, making one wonder what pound of flesh Hebert will extract next season when the teams meet?
Actually, Hebert already has advised Kahlil Carter, the Als’ rookie defensive coordinator, what that will be.
“I look forward to playing here for sure against some of my teammates that I couldn’t touch at practice,” Hebert told the Montreal Gazette before his Ottawa signing was announced.
“When I spoke to the new coordinator … I told him, when we play this season, I guarantee I’m going to outplay the linebacker that you have. Bet on that.
“You’re only as good as your last season. I showed that. Let your production speak for itself. I’m not going to have a problem finding a job within the next 30 minutes.”
Hebert is 37, old for any football player and especially for a linebacker. But he has continued to defy age during the latter part of his 12-season career, the last six with Montreal. He had a career-high 110 tackles last season, two sacks, an interception and three forced fumbles. Despite the Als’ abysmal record, Hebert was named the division’s outstanding defensive player.
Hebert, who earned a notoutrageous $110,000 last season, received a $40,000 bonus on Feb. 1. About eight days later, he was told by Carter and GM Kavis Reed his role would be diminished in Carter’s defensive scheme. As a non-starter, that would likely have required a pay cut, although Hebert said a new contract wasn’t offered.
“Usually when you have a great season and do things the right way, your pay doesn’t decrease,” Hebert said. “It came down to me not being a good fit for what (Carter) wants to do, and that’s fine. Every player doesn’t fit into every defence.
“I’m not bitter. That’s negative energy that will eat up at me. I’m disappointed and a little hurt.”
The CFL is replete with players getting cut before they receive off-season bonuses. It happened this week to Saskatchewan middle-linebacker Henoc Muamba, who already received one $35,000 bonus this winter. But the Roughriders are drowning in a pot of gold as the league’s most financially stable franchise. The Als, conversely, don’t generate anywhere near the Riders’ revenue — at the gate or through merchandise sales.
Reed said owners Robert and Andrew Wetenhall were in on the decision and gave their blessing to kissing goodbye $40,000. Reed said Hebert was released at the player’s request, adding the two texted as recently as Thursday night, giving Hebert every opportunity to change his mind. Reed believes squandering $40,000 outweighs the potential of having a disgruntled player in the dressing room, a risk had Hebert returned and not played regularly.
Reed said, on the surface, it doesn’t look good, but denied players will look upon Montreal as the Bermuda Triangle of the CFL. And this week, Reed went on a signing and spending spree, adding Jamaal Westerman, Tommie Campbell, Joe Burnett, Mitchell White and Dominique Ellis through free agency.
“I feel strongly the players understand that transactions happen in every sport,” Reed said. “Sometimes there isn’t a fit. The relationship isn’t necessarily a fit anymore. It’s not personal. I don’t think players look at that and deliberate. We’re not concerned. We’re going to make football decisions to be a better team.”
And Reed said he strongly believes the team he has assembled is stronger than the one that limped off the field in November at Hamilton, embarrassed by a 33-0 defeat and an 11th consecutive loss.
“We had an objective to improve this roster, to make it better and balanced. I feel very strongly that … we’ve done that,” said Reed, who met the media Friday at Olympic Stadium, ostensibly to discuss free agency. But then Hebert’s release got in the way.
“To land a Westerman … Campbell … those players are in the elite. Mitch White, Joe Burnett. To attract those players because they believe in what we’re doing is key in terms of re-establishing our team and our position in the CFL. It was a tremendous day when we got those guys signed.”
Reed’s loath to make any bold predictions about wins or making the playoffs, which is only natural considering this team has yet to establish it has a viable quarterback.