Montreal Alouettes Bolster Defensive Line with Signing of Former NFL Defender Daniel Wise

The Montreal Alouettes have made a significant move to strengthen their front seven, announcing the signing of American defensive lineman Daniel Wise to a two-year contract covering the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

Wise, a 6-foot-3, 279-pound defender, brings a blend of NFL experience and recent standout performance in the UFL to the Montreal roster. The transaction signals the Alouettes’ intent to add veteran depth and versatility to their defensive rotation as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.

A Professional Pedigree: From the NFL to the UFL

Wise is no stranger to the highest levels of professional football. He spent time in the NFL with the Washington Commanders, where he appeared in 17 regular-season games across the 2021 and 2022 seasons. During his tenure in Washington, Wise recorded 11 total tackles and earned two starts.

While his primary regular-season contributions came with Washington, Wise’s professional journey included stints with several other high-profile organizations. He was a member of the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, and Kansas City Chiefs, though he did not dress for regular-season action with those specific clubs.

Most recently, Wise found a second wind in the UFL. Playing for the Michigan Panthers in 2024, he became a disruptive force on the defensive line. In just five games, Wise tallied 16 tackles, three tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. His dominant play in the UFL earned him a spot on the All-UFL Team, proving he remains a high-impact player capable of penetrating opposing backfields.

Collegiate Dominance at Kansas

Before his professional odyssey, Wise established himself as one of the premier defensive talents at the University of Kansas. Over a four-year career with the Jayhawks, he appeared in 47 games and became a cornerstone of the defense.

His collegiate statistics reflect a consistent ability to create pressure and stop the run:

• Total Tackles: 150
• Sacks: 18
• Pass Breakups: 3
• Fumble Recovery: 1
• Forced Fumbles: 1

Wise’s performance in the Big 12 did not travel unnoticed. He was named to the All-Big 12 second team in 2016 and followed that up with first-team All-Big 12 selections in both 2017 and 2018.

A Family Tradition of Professional Football

For Daniel Wise, professional football is a family business. He is the son of Deatrich Wise, a former player in the Canadian Football League (CFL), which gives him a natural connection to the league he is now entering. His brother, Deatrich Wise Jr., continues to play in the NFL with Washington.

This family lineage provides Wise with a unique perspective on the transition between the American and Canadian games, as well as the discipline required to maintain a career at the professional level.

Roster Churn: Alouettes Balance Additions and Departures

The arrival of Wise comes amidst a series of roster adjustments for Montreal. While the team is adding strength to the defensive line, they are also seeing departures. The Alouettes confirmed that American running back Aaron Shampklin is retiring.

Shampklin, a Harvard University standout, joined the team earlier this offseason after spending parts of four seasons in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Miami Dolphins. Despite his collegiate success—where he recorded 2,251 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns—Shampklin’s professional chapter has come to a close.

The Alouettes have remained active in other areas of the roster, adding quarterback Dustin Crum, receiver Jerreth Sterns, and return specialist DeVonte Dedmon. The team also welcomed back linebacker Micah Awe, further stabilizing the defensive unit.

Player Profile: Daniel Wise

For a global audience unfamiliar with the CFL, the addition of a player like Wise is significant because of the league’s specific rules regarding “American” roster spots. By securing a player with proven NFL and UFL production, Montreal is investing in a high-ceiling athlete who can potentially change the geometry of the game on the defensive side of the ball.

The Alouettes now possess a defensive front that blends the returning stability of Micah Awe with the fresh, aggressive energy of Daniel Wise. As the team moves toward the 2026 season, the focus will shift to how Wise integrates into the defensive scheme and whether his UFL form translates to the wider Canadian field.

Fans can expect further roster updates as the Alouettes finalize their training camp preparations. Stay tuned to Pro-Football-Reference and official team channels for updated stats and depth charts.

What do you think about the Alouettes’ decision to sign Daniel Wise? Let us know in the comments below.