Porter could be Als’ next QB
Team also signs veteran slotback Arland Bruce
More than a decade ago, Jim Popp signed a young free-agent quarterback who had reached a dead-end in Hamilton, his career seemingly teetering on the edge.
The results weren’t immediately evident. However, in retrospect, Anthony Calvillo was worth the investment.
Time ultimately will decide whether Popp, the Alouettes’ general manager, can twice capture lighting in a bottle. But that could be the influencing factor behind the signing on Monday of quarterback Quinton Porter, who joins Montreal along with veteran slotback Arland Bruce and cornerback Byron Parker.
Porter, eligible to become a free agent next month, was released last Tuesday by the Tiger-Cats, at his request, while both Parker and Bruce received their walking papers from B.C. last Friday.
“I felt I had run my course in Hamilton,” Porter said. “I have a lot to offer and feel like I’ve literally just tipped the iceberg in terms of what I can do. I felt like I needed a change of scenery.”
The 30-year-old spent five seasons in Hamilton, mostly as a backup to Kevin Glenn and, most recently, Henry Burris. But at 6-feet-5 and 228 pounds, Porter has the look of an athlete and exudes the necessary confidence required to play the position.
“Quinton has been on my radar for some time,” Popp said in a statement. “We feel his potential can reach great heights.”
Porter has completed more than 63 per cent of his passes while throwing for 4,095 yards and 21 touchdowns. He has been intercepted 18 times.
Anyone not familiar with the Boston College product might remember a game against Montreal in October 2008 during which he passed for 429 yards and five touchdowns in a high-scoring Ticats’ win. It’s a game Popp undoubtedly remembers vividly.
“I’ve got more of that in me,” vowed Porter, a native of Portland, Me. “This is a perfect fit for the next chapter of my career. I don’t mind saying I’m sick and tired of being on the sidelines. That’s not why I’m playing. I’m ready to come in and be the leader of a team.”
Where Porter fits on the Als’ depth chart remains to be determined. Starting quarterback Calvillo is 40, while his backup, Adrian McPherson, is a potential free agent. Josh Neiswander also is expected to return. Porter’s signing could potentially mean the end of McPherson’s career in Montreal — unless he finds no potential suitors in free agency.
Just as Calvillo learned for two seasons under Tracy Ham with the Als, Porter said he’s ready to be mentored by Calvillo, soaking in all the knowledge he can glean. Porter was in discussions with both the Lions and Edmonton. He would have been stuck behind Travis Lulay in Vancouver, although the Eskimos are hardly set at quarterback and on Monday released Steven Jyles. But Popp and the Als were more proactive, Porter said.
“I’m excited to learn from Anthony. I want to see what he sees on the field,” Porter said. “I see myself being a backup, understudy, being ready to be there when Anthony needs a break. When he’s done playing, I want to be the guy to lead this team to a Grey Cup.
“I think this is the perfect opportunity for the transition to go from Anthony to me. Hopefully Anthony can end his career with a bang and pass the baton off to me.”
The addition of Bruce, 34, is intriguing. There’s no doubt the 5-foot-9, 194-pounder comes to the Als with impressive credentials, including more than 10,000 career receiving yards and 89 touchdowns.
Bruce, who previously played for Winnipeg, Toronto and Hamilton over 11 seasons, has surpassed 1,000 yards six times in his career and is a Canadian Football League all-star three times.
He missed the final five games of last season with a concussion, yet still caught 43 passes for 603 yards, scoring five TDs. Bruce never has possessed blazing speed, but remains among the hardest receivers to tackle.
“Playing for as many teams as I have, why not add another?” Bruce said. “Why not add a great franchise to my résumé? It makes sense to go out like that.
“This is the Grey Cup team,” he vowed. “This is the team to beat. Look at the roster. Even if I didn’t come, this is the team to beat. It feels like a fantasy draft. We’ve got a good team.”
Bruce joins a talented receiving group that includes S.J. Green, Brandon London, Jamel Richardson and Brian Bratton, although the latter could become a free agent. Calvillo will have his work cut out attempting to distribute the ball evenly and keeping all his receivers content.
“I’m looking forward to see how we mix it up,” Bruce said. “We’ve got a big pot of gumbo right now — all this talent and ability.”
Porter and Bruce signed threeyear deals, while Parker signed a two-year contract.