Free- agent RB Stefan Logan joins Als
Where the dominoes will eventually rest remains a matter of speculation. But what Jim Popp continues to demonstrate this winter, during his free- agent signing frenzy, is that competition will be fierce and battles will be waged to crack the Alouettes’ roster.
“It’s not intended to be a message. Whether it’s Joe Blow off the street that you guys don’t know, my job every year is to create competition at camp, and to give a variety of people to our coaching staff,” the Als’ general manager said.
Popp has been active this winter signing free agents, at least creating the appearance he’s attempting to upgrade the personnel on a team that went 9- 9 last season — albeit following a 1- 7 start. Whether the chemistry fits remains to be determined.
The latest to sign with Montreal is veteran running back Stefan Logan. The 5- foot- 8, 180- pounder signed a one- year contract with the Als. Logan was recently released by the BC Lions, who have a new head coach in Jeff Tedford.
But Logan was productive last season, generating 1,748 all- purpose yards. That included 625 rushing yards on 116 carries. He became the Lions’ starter following an injury to Andrew Harris.
Logan, who spent four years in the NFL with Pittsburgh and Detroit after starting his career with the Lions in 2008, can also be used as a receiver and returner. He is, however, 33 — the same age as receiver Fred Stamps, acquired in a trade from Edmonton. Free- agent receiver Nik Lewis is 32.
“I don’t care about age. Production is what counts,” Popp said emphatically. “He ( Logan) put up big numbers last year.”
Logan joins an already crowded backfield that includes Brandon Whitaker, Tyrell Sutton, Brandon Rutley and Chris Rainey. Whitaker has been injured each of the last three seasons. And if Logan is to be used at receiver, he must dislodge James Rodgers or Mardy Gilyard.
“I don’t shy away from competition. Every team has competition,” Logan told the Montreal Gazette from his winter home in Miami. “It’s what they see and what you can do to help. I know Montreal has a lot of running backs. I’ll have to move my way up the depth chart.”
And Logan considers himself a young 33, saying his body hasn’t been taxed over the years.
“Age has nothing to do with it,” he said. “If you watched me last year, you can’t tell how old I am. I have plenty left in the tank.”
The Als have 85 players signed, according to Popp. They can bring 75, plus draft picks, to training camp in June. Some players undoubtedly will be jettisoned following mini camp next month in Vero Beach, Fla.
“We’re ahead of a lot of teams and ahead of the curve,” Popp said. “The guys that we’re getting are coming at the price we want. They’re good players and will provide competition in areas we want, or give us something we might not already have.”