By The Canadian Press

Alouettes release Darnell Sankey, all-star linebacker becomes free agent

Dec 11, 2025 | 11:28 AM

MONTREAL — Darnell Sankey is getting a head start on CFL free agency.

The Montreal Alouettes announced they released the all-star linebacker Thursday. According to a league source, the two sides mutually agreed to part ways.

Sankey was scheduled to become a free agent in February.

The hard-hitting Sankey signed a one-year contract with the Alouettes midway through the 2023 season, helping the franchise win its eighth Grey Cup title.

The 31-year-old American then signed a two-year extension in Montreal.

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He totalled 101 defensive tackles and two sacks in the regular season this year before the Alouettes fell 25-17 to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Grey Cup game.

“I’d like to thank Darnell for all the work he’s done for us on and off the field over the last few years,” general manager Danny Maciocia said in a statement. “Not only has he been a productive player, but he’s also been an important leader for us. We’ve decided to go in a different direction at middle linebacker in 2026, and this move will allow Darnell to get a head start on free agency.”

In 2024, Sankey had 107 defensive tackles, one sack, one interception and three forced fumbles as Montreal topped the standings but fell to the Toronto Argonauts in the East Division final.

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.

“Darnell always came to work with the right attitude,” head coach Jason Maas said. “He was an important voice in our locker room, and he was one of our leaders on the field. He went about his work in a professional manner at all times and I appreciated having him on our team over the last few years.”

In other moves, the Alouettes announced Thursday that they’ve signed Canadian linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku to a two-year contract extension through 2027.

Cantin-Arku recorded 38 defensive tackles and six special teams tackles this season. He also earned four sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles.

Montreal extended quarterback Davis Alexander one year through 2028 on Tuesday. The team also signed offensive lineman Pierre-Olivier Lestage and wide receiver Tyson Philpot to extensions earlier this off-season.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 11, 2025.

The Canadian Press