The Montreal Alouettes opened their training camp with a different look at the receiver position, as Charleston Rambo and Austin Mack did not return. Jerreth Sterns was the only major addition at the position during free agency.
After spending two years with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Sterns played the 2025 season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and initially thought he would return, but an offer never came.
“Initially, I thought I would come back, but they didn’t offer me anything,” he told 3DownNation via phone. “There is no love lost or anything. It’s a business. Ratio and things like that play a big part in decisions.”
Sterns, who accumulated 48 catches for 530 yards and four touchdowns in 2025, had the chance to speak with Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea. He received an explanation for why the team didn’t offer him a contract and appreciated the conversation.
“I had the chance to talk with Coach O’Shea. He told me how it was. I respect him, and he respects me,” Sterns said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity in Winnipeg, but now it’s all about Montreal.”
That new opportunity came when his agent informed him that the Alouettes had interest. That interest quickly grew during free agency, especially when Mack was released, and Rambo elected not to return.
“They lost some big-time receivers, so it’s an opportunity here,” he said. “I’m grateful for it, and I’m just ready to get going. It’s a great culture here — it’s a winning team. They’ve been winning since I joined the CFL. It’s just exciting. They have an explosive offence as well.”
Head coach Jason Maas and general manager Danny Maciocia are not worried about the changes to the offensive lineup. Both have high expectations for the receiving group, and Sterns has met them since the start of camp.
“I like the group we have here. Sterns’ play is going very well,” Maciocia told Eric Leblanc of RDS. “We also like (Alexander) Hollins. There are some young receivers who have impressed us since the beginning of camp.”
“I’m very comfortable with the players we have,” added Maas. “There is always going to be a raw diamond you discover at camp — we just have to find it in a short amount of time.”
Much has been said about the fans at Percival Molson Stadium over the past couple of years. For Sterns, it’s one of the most intimidating crowds he has faced. Last year, he played on the visiting side in the East Semi-Final, a game the Blue Bombers lost.
“In the first half, we couldn’t hear anything,” Sterns recalled. “They definitely made it difficult on us. I also remember my second year in Saskatchewan, we needed to score at the end of the game. We couldn’t hear anything, and I looked up and saw everybody with their flashlights on. I’m definitely excited to be on the good side this time.”
Alouettes training camp is taking place in Quebec City. The team will play its first preseason game on May 22 against the Ottawa Redblacks at Percival Molson Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT.
