CP Source: Alouettes, all-star linebacker Darnell Sankey agree to part ways

MONTREAL — Darnell Sankey will get a head start on CFL free agency.

According to a league source, the all-star linebacker and Montreal Alouettes have mutually agreed to part ways.

The source spoke on the condition of anonymity as the CFL club had not formally announced the move. But Sankey would become a free agent upon his release.

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.

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.

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.

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.