The Montreal Alouettes have bolstered their roster with the addition of American wide receiver Jalen Wayne, securing him on a two-year deal. Additionally, the team has extended the contract of American defensive lineman Trevor Mason through 2026.
Wayne, standing at 6’1” and weighing 212 lbs., previously showcased his skills during the Alouettes’ training camp in Saint-Jérôme last May. The 25-year-old athlete recorded four receptions for 26 yards across two preseason games,demonstrating his potential on the field.
Earlier in July 2024, Wayne inked a deal with the Green Bay packers, where he made one reception for eight yards and contributed a tackle in three preseason appearances. His professional journey also includes stints with the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns, adding depth to his experience.
During his collegiate career, Wayne spent six seasons with the University of South Alabama Jaguars (2017-2022), amassing an impressive 152 receptions for 1,978 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also rushed for 33 yards on four carries. His standout performance in 2022 earned him an honorable mention on the all-Sun Belt Conference team.
Mason, a towering presence at 6’6” and 305 lbs., made his mark in 2024 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, recording 18 defensive tackles in ten games. The 26-year-old from Arlington, Texas, previously played three seasons at the university of Arizona, where he tallied 106 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and seven pass knockdowns in 28 games. Mason also honed his skills at Navarro College and gained professional experience with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the XFL’s Orlando Guardians.
Exclusive Interview: Breaking Down the Montreal Alouettes’ Latest Moves with Guest Coach Marc Trestman
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The Montreal Alouettes have been making waves in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with their recent roster moves, and today, we’re diving deep into the details with none other than former Alouettes head coach and CFL legend, Marc Trestman. Coach Trestman, who led the Alouettes to back-to-back Grey Cup victories in 2009 and 2010, joins us to discuss the team’s recent signings of wide receiver Jalen Wayne and defensive lineman Trevor Mason.
Let’s get into the conversation!
Moderator: Coach Trestman, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with the Alouettes’ acquisition of Jalen Wayne. What are your thoughts on this signing?
Marc trestman: Thank you for having me. Jalen Wayne is an intriguing addition to the Alouettes’ roster. At 6’1” and 212 lbs.,he’s got the physical tools to be a difference-maker. His college stats at the University of South Alabama are impressive—152 receptions for nearly 2,000 yards and 14 touchdowns. That kind of production shows he has the potential to be a reliable target in the CFL.
However, I think the key question is how quickly he can adapt to the canadian game. The wider field and different rules can be a challenge for American players. His preseason performances with the Alouettes last May were solid, but not stunning—four receptions for 26 yards in two games. Do you think he’s ready to step up and be a consistent contributor?
Moderator: That’s a great point. Wayne’s preseason numbers weren’t eye-popping, but he’s shown flashes of potential. his experience with NFL teams like the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns, and also his stint with the green Bay Packers, adds depth to his resume. Do you think his NFL experience will help him transition to the CFL?
Marc Trestman: Absolutely. The NFL is the pinnacle of football, and even if a player doesn’t stick around for long, the experience of competing at that level is invaluable. Wayne’s time with the Packers, where he made a reception and contributed a tackle in the preseason, shows he can handle pressure. But the CFL is a different beast.It’s faster, more wide-open, and requires a unique skill set. If Wayne can leverage his NFL experience and adapt quickly,he could be a real asset for the Alouettes.
moderator: Let’s shift gears to Trevor Mason. The Alouettes have extended his contract through 2026, which is a strong vote of confidence in his abilities. What stands out to you about Mason’s game?
Marc Trestman: trevor Mason is a monster on the defensive line. At 6’6” and 305 lbs., he’s got the size and strength to dominate in the trenches. His 2024 season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats was solid—18 defensive tackles in ten games. But what really impresses me is his versatility.He’s not just a run-stopper; he can also disrupt passing lanes, as evidenced by his seven pass knockdowns during his college career at the University of Arizona.
The Alouettes clearly see him as a long-term piece of their defense, and I think that’s a smart move. Mason’s experience in the XFL with the orlando Guardians and his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers have given him a well-rounded skill set. He’s still young at 26, so his best football is likely ahead of him.
Moderator: Do you think Mason’s extension signals a shift in the alouettes’ defensive strategy?
Marc Trestman: It could. The CFL is becoming more pass-heavy, and having a defensive lineman who can pressure the quarterback and defend the run is crucial. Mason’s ability to do both makes him a valuable asset. If the Alouettes can build around him and add more pieces to their defensive front, they could become a much more formidable unit in the coming years.
Moderator: Coach, let’s talk about the bigger picture. The Alouettes have made some key moves recently, including extending Jesse Gibbon through 2026 [[3]] and having two players named to the All-CFL team in 2024 [[2]]. Do you think these moves put the Alouettes in a position to contend for the Grey Cup in 2025?
Marc Trestman: Without a doubt. The Alouettes are building a strong foundation. Extending Gibbon, who’s been a reliable offensive lineman, and locking up Mason shows they’re committed to strengthening both sides of the ball. Add in the All-CFL caliber players like Tyrice Beverette and Marc-Antoine Dequoy, and you’ve got a team that’s poised to make some noise.
But as always, it comes down to execution.The CFL is incredibly competitive, and every game matters. If the Alouettes can stay healthy and continue to develop their young talent, I think they’ll be in the mix for the Grey Cup.
Moderator: Thanks, Coach Trestman, for your insights. Before we wrap up, I’d love to hear from our readers. What do you think about the Alouettes’ recent moves? Are you excited about jalen Wayne and Trevor Mason? Do you think the team is on the right track to contend for a championship? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
And don’t forget to check out the Alouettes’ full 2024 schedule [[1]] to mark your calendars for what promises to be an exciting season.
until next time, keep the football conversation going!
