The Montreal Alouettes find themselves at a pivotal crossroads as the 2026 Canadian Football League (CFL) season approaches, with major decisions looming over key players, organizational changes, and sweeping league reforms. General Manager Danny Maciocia, ever the optimist, awaits a crucial update on the future of star defensive back Marc-Antoine Dequoy, whose contract situation has become one of the most talked-about storylines in Montreal’s off-season. The stakes are high, and the next few weeks could shape the course of the Alouettes’ campaign—and perhaps even the CFL itself.
Speaking to the media via video conference from the CFL governors’ meeting in Calgary, Maciocia made it clear that the Alouettes are eager to secure Dequoy’s return. The team formally extended a contract offer to Dequoy just before the holiday season, and while there’s been no hard deadline, the clock is ticking. "It has been almost a month since he received the offer," Maciocia told reporters. He expects communication within the next 10 to 14 days, emphasizing, "I hope our partnership continues, and he becomes part of the Alouettes in 2026."
Maciocia’s sense of urgency is palpable, and for good reason. The Alouettes need clarity on Dequoy’s status to plan their budget and roster effectively. If Dequoy decides not to return, resources must be allocated elsewhere—a reality that underscores the business side of professional football. "It’s important to know soon," Maciocia said, highlighting how one player’s decision can ripple through an entire organization’s strategy.
Head Coach Jason Maas echoed these sentiments, making it clear that Dequoy’s value to the team goes beyond statistics. "I can guarantee that Dequoy knows how we feel about him, and he will have to make a choice," Maas stated. He praised Dequoy’s successful track record and underscored the competitive opportunities available within the Alouettes’ organization. Maas also acknowledged the business realities of football, noting that the final decision rests with the player. "All players are given the opportunity to compete for their positions as we prepare for the upcoming season," he said, striking a balance between loyalty and pragmatism.
While the Dequoy saga takes center stage, there’s another storyline quietly developing in the background: the rehabilitation of quarterback Davis Alexander. The young signal-caller is scheduled to visit Montreal at the end of January for a comprehensive evaluation by the team’s medical staff. The coaching staff is optimistic about Alexander’s progress, with Maas emphasizing the importance of meeting key recovery milestones. Alexander’s anticipated two-week recovery timeline offers hope that he could be ready to make an impact early in the season—a welcome development for a team looking to solidify its quarterback situation.
The Alouettes’ off-season isn’t just about player contracts and injury updates, though. The organization is also grappling with the results of a recent CFL Players’ Association evaluation, which handed the team mixed grades. Family treatment received an F, while business operations and facilities were graded a D. On the brighter side, coaching and football operations scored A and B, respectively, reflecting strong leadership and on-field management. Maciocia didn’t shy away from the criticism: "We care deeply about family. We understand there’s room for improvement," he admitted, pledging to enhance resources and facilities for both players and their loved ones moving forward.
Contract negotiations are always a delicate dance, and the Alouettes are currently navigating several key decisions. Wide receiver Austin Mack has a bonus due on February 1, and the team is managing its salary cap with an eye on bonuses and other contractual obligations spread throughout January and February. Maciocia expressed confidence in the organization’s ability to handle these financial maneuvers, ensuring that the team remains competitive while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
One confirmed departure is that of veteran defensive end Sean Lemon, signaling a shift in the team’s defensive strategy. The Alouettes are turning their focus toward promising Canadian talent, with names like Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund, Joshua Archibald, and Lwal Uguak expected to play larger roles. "We believe this will strengthen our roster moving forward," Maciocia said, pointing to the depth and versatility of the emerging Canadian players. This youth movement could inject fresh energy into the defense and help the Alouettes adapt to the evolving landscape of the CFL.
Speaking of evolution, the CFL itself is on the cusp of significant change. The winter meetings in Calgary have brought together league officials, coaches, and general managers—including Maciocia and Winnipeg Blue Bombers Head Coach Mike O’Shea—to discuss a sweeping set of rule modifications. Some changes will take effect in 2026, such as the elimination of single points for errant field goals, punts, or kickoffs that travel through the end zone without being returned. There will also be a new 35-second automatic play clock reset and team benches will be placed on opposite sides of the field to facilitate substitutions.
The biggest transformation, however, is slated for 2027. The CFL field will shrink from 110 yards to 100 yards in length, end zones will be reduced from 20 yards to 15 yards, and the goalposts will move from the goal line to the back of the end zone. Commissioner Stewart Johnston projects that these changes will increase end-zone completions by 10 percent and result in 60 more touchdowns per season. "Only fools don’t change their mind," Maciocia remarked during the meetings, underscoring his willingness to embrace innovation. "It’s never perfect. That’s just the reality of what you’re dealing with. I think you need to be open-minded."
Not everyone in the CFL community is on board with the changes. Some fans and traditionalists worry that the league is "Americanizing" the Canadian game, but Johnston remains steadfast, citing improved sightlines for fans and enhanced player safety as key benefits. The proposed adjustments are not yet set in stone, with Toronto GM Mike Clemons noting, "There is an ability to talk and communicate about this so everything is not done. We’ll get a chance to talk about those things and we’ll see where we go from there."
Other agenda items under discussion include adjustments to overtime rules, guidelines for CFL player participation in the 2028 Olympic men’s flag football event, increased transparency in player compensation, and potential tweaks to the Grey Cup playoff format. Montreal’s Jason Maas weighed in on the playoff system, defending the current crossover format as both competitive and effective, even as some fans express frustration when teams with inferior records qualify ahead of others. "It still provides a very competitive playoff system during the season," Maas said. "It’s still exciting. It’s still part of our league."
As the winter meetings wrap up and the Alouettes wait on Dequoy’s decision, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation in Montreal. The next two weeks could bring clarity on several fronts, from roster moves to league-wide reforms. For now, the Alouettes and their fans are left to watch, wait, and wonder what the future holds. One thing’s for sure: change is in the air, and Montreal’s football faithful wouldn’t have it any other way.
