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By Greg Price
Taber Times
gprice@tabertimes.com
Former Taberite and two-time Grey Cup champion Jeff Perrett has been released by the Montreal Alouettes in what looks like more of a financial move than a performance issue in the world of the Canadian Football League.
Quarterback Darian Durant was traded from Saskatchewan to the Montreal Alouettes, in which he signed a multi-year contract, making $400,000 next season, putting the Alouettes in the tough position to shed salary. The 32-year-old Perrett was due a signing bonus in February, before the start of free agency, and was scheduled to earn well over $200,000 according to the Montreal Gazette, necessitating Monday’s move.
The 6-foot-6 and 330-pound right tackle played a successful 10 seasons with the Alouettes, playing 166 games, and earning two Grey Cups and an East Division Outstanding Lineman Award along the way.
“We would like to thank Jeff for everything he has done for this team and this organization,” general manager Kavis Reed said in a statement. “Jeff always gave it his all during his time in Montreal, and it’s never an easy thing to part ways with someone who has done such an outstanding job representing the team on and off the field.”
Perrett gave a heart-felt message to the Alouettes fans and followers of his Facebook page.
“Thanks to Bob Wetenhall and the entire Alouettes organization for the opportunity to be a small part of such a successful franchise. I had an absolutely awesome time playing for some of the best fans in the CFL, and I will miss the roar of that crowd on the mountain,” said Perrett in his Facebook correspondence with his fans. “Montreal will always have a piece of my heart and I wish the Als and Kavis Reed nothing but the best moving forward. My family and I have been blessed to have met so many incredible people that will be life-long friends and for that Montreal, I thank you. I am so excited to see what the next chapter holds.”
At 32, Perrett feels he still has plenty of football left and will be looking to latch onto another CFL club, in search of a third Grey Cup.
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