MONTREAL – The Montreal Alouettes added depth and experience to their quarterback room this week, signing veteran Dustin Crum to a one-year contract. While the starting job firmly belongs to Davis Alexander, head coach Jason Maas believes Crum’s arrival isn’t simply about insurance – it’s a chance for growth and a potential strength for the entire organization. The signing, announced Tuesday, underscores the importance Montreal places on having a reliable option should Alexander encounter injury, a situation that plagued the team last season.
Crum, 27, comes to Montreal after spending time with the Ottawa Redblacks, where he demonstrated flashes of potential during his first two seasons in the Canadian Football League. In 2025, he started six games for Ottawa, completing 166 passes for 1,771 yards and six touchdowns. He also proved to be a dual-threat, rushing for 429 yards and 11 touchdowns on 78 carries. His 2024 stats included 320 passing yards and 206 rushing yards, adding seven rushing touchdowns in 18 games. Prior to his CFL career, Crum excelled at Kent State University, earning Mid-American Conference Player of the Year honors in 2021.
“We have acquired a very talented young quarterback with an excellent function ethic,” Alouettes General Manager Danny Maciocia said in a team statement. “We believe that Dustin will integrate very well into our locker room and we look forward to seeing him in action in the coming months.”
The Value of a Strong Backup
The Alouettes learned a valuable lesson about depth at the quarterback position last season. Alexander, who led the team to a Grey Cup berth, missed 10 games due to a hamstring injury. McLeod Bethel-Thompson, Caleb Evans, and James Morgan all saw action, but none could consistently replicate Alexander’s success. The team ultimately relied on a patchwork approach to navigate the season, highlighting the need for a proven backup.
Maas emphasized that Crum isn’t simply a placeholder. He believes the environment in Montreal – a team coming off a successful season and boasting a strong culture – will be beneficial for Crum’s development. “I think every quarterback coming here understands that you’re vying for positions other than number one,” Maas told Montreal media this week. “But the best part about Davis, about Cody [Fajardo], about the starters I’ve always been around is they don’t ever believe that. They always head in saying I’ve gotta compete too, and no matter what, nothing’s gonna be given to me. That’s the type of guys we have in our room.”
This competitive spirit, Maas argues, elevates the entire quarterback group. He sees a symbiotic relationship forming, where Alexander’s leadership and experience can help Crum refine his game, while Crum’s presence pushes Alexander to continue improving. The Alouettes are betting that a motivated and prepared backup will be crucial if they hope to return to the Grey Cup final.
Crum’s Skillset and Fit with the Alouettes
Dustin Crum’s versatility is a key reason why the Alouettes pursued him in free agency. His ability to extend plays with his legs and build throws on the move adds another dimension to the offense. In his rookie season with Ottawa in 2023, Crum started 14 games, throwing for 3,109 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 741 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. This dual-threat capability is increasingly valuable in the modern CFL, where mobile quarterbacks can exploit defensive weaknesses.
Maas specifically highlighted Crum’s “mobility and fighting spirit” as qualities that attracted the team. “You’re gonna receive something out of being here, and you’re gonna add value to it,” Maas said, speaking to the benefits of joining the Alouettes organization. The team’s focus on player development and a positive team culture are intended to maximize Crum’s potential, even in a backup role.
Beyond Crum: Alouettes Add Receiving Depth
The Alouettes also bolstered their receiving corps this week, signing American wide receiver Jerreth Sterns. Sterns, 26, played 14 regular season games with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2025, recording 48 receptions for 530 yards and four touchdowns. He previously spent two seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, totaling 83 receptions for 941 yards and three touchdowns in 23 games. This addition provides Alexander with another reliable target and increases the team’s offensive firepower.
Looking Ahead
The Montreal Alouettes will begin their 2026 training camp in May, giving Crum an opportunity to learn the offense and build rapport with his teammates. While Davis Alexander is expected to remain the starter, the competition for the backup role will be closely watched. The Alouettes’ success this season may well depend on the depth and quality of their quarterback room. The team’s next official update is expected following the completion of rookie camp in early May.
Fans can follow the Alouettes’ offseason moves and training camp updates on the team’s official website: https://www.rds.ca/football/alouettes/
What are your thoughts on the Alouettes’ quarterback situation? Share your predictions in the comments below!
