Montreal Alouettes Grant Release of RB William Stanback
In a surprising bit of CFL offseason news, the Montreal Alouettes have released a key piece of their offense in the backfield. Running back William Stanback requested to be released by the team, and the Alouettes granted his wish on Tuesday.
“We’d like to thank Will for his years of faithful service,” Montreal Alouettes general manager Danny Maciocia said in a statement. “After several meetings with Will and his camp, he informed us that he wanted to be granted his early release before the start of free agency. We have decided to honour his wishes.”
Stanback joined Montreal in 2018 and has played for the team for five seasons. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2019 and 2021, earning CFL All-Star honors in both seasons. Last season, he rushed for 800 yards and two touchdowns while also racking up 241 receiving yards and one score. He played a key role in their Grey Cup title win, rushing for 68 yards and one touchdown.
Outside of the CFL, Stanback had two stints in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers and Las Vegas Raiders. He started his college career at UCF before transferring to Virginia Union for his final year in 2016. During that season, he rushed for 1,299 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning All-CIAA First Team honors.
The departure of Stanback will leave open a massive gap at running back as the next leading rusher from 2023 was quarterback Cody Fajardo. Three other running backs were pending free agents for the Alouettes, with only Jeshrun Antwi receiving a contract extension so far. Walter Fletcher and James Tuck remain pending free agents.
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