After one season in the CFL, wide receiver Damien Alford joins the New Orleans Saints.
• Also read: Raiders: Pete Carroll will only have passed
• Also read: Alouettes: Alexander Hollins will be back in 2026
On Tuesday, agent Nathaniel Thomas confirmed to us that his client had signed a three-year contract with the NFL team.
It wasn’t just the Saints who were interested in the 24-year-old Quebecer from across the border. Since his campaign with the Calgary Stampeders ended in November, Alford earned a tryout with the Louisiana club, but he also demonstrated his skills in front of the New York Jets.
The Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs had also requested to see him in action, but Alford’s camp decided to prioritize negotiations with the Saints.
“We judged that it is with them that Damien has the best opportunity to establish himself and have an impact in the NFL,” underlined his representative.
This is a return to the United States for the former Aigles d’Or from Dalbé-Viau high school, since the Montrealer played his university football with the Syracuse Orange (2020-2023) and the Utah Utes (2024).
Alford has never hidden his desire to play in the NFL, despite the fact that he was ignored during the 2025 draft. He also participated in the Chiefs’ rookie mini-camp last May, but his services were not retained by the organization.
The 6’5″ athlete subsequently joined the Stampeders, who made him the first footballer from Quebec to be selected with the first pick in a CFL draft since Pierre Lavertu in 2014.
In 15 games with the Alberta team last season, Alford caught 20 of the 34 passes sent in his direction for gains of 407 yards and five touchdowns.
In collaboration with our partners
