Despite Harris’s return, Adams remains Als’ starting QB, GM Maciocia says

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Danny Maciocia said nothing should be interpreted from the return of veteran quarterback Trevor Harris. Vernon Adams Jr. is the Alouettes’ starter. Period.

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“It’s not his job to lose. It’s Vernon’s job,” the Als general manager told the Montreal Gazette on Wednesday afternoon. “Just go out and do what you have to do.

“This was strictly a football decision that covers us. This has nothing to do — and it sounds like I’m being defensive — but there’s nothing to read into this, for me at least.”

Earlier Wednesday, the Als announced the signing of Harris, 35, to a one-year contract that will pay the veteran a base salary of $125,000. But with incentives, based on playing time, Harris could earn slightly more than $200,000.

Montreal originally acquired the nine-year CFL veteran in a trade from Edmonton last October, less than a week after Adams suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Although Harris was acquired for insurance, it wasn’t long before he replaced a struggling Matthew Shiltz, late in the third quarter of a loss against Saskatchewan.

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Not only did Harris remain Montreal’s starter the remainder of the season, Shiltz never again dressed for a game, was released last Friday and signed the same day with Hamilton as a free agent.

Harris performed admirably, considering he had to learn the Als’ playbook quickly and often played behind a makeshift offensive line. He completed 64 of 91 passes for 703 yards along with eight touchdowns in barely more than three games. He was intercepted twice.

But in Montreal’s East Division semifinal loss to the Tiger-Cats, he committed four turnovers — three fumbles and an interception. Harris was released on Dec. 20, well in advance of a $300,000 signing bonus due in February.

The Als, at that time, made it clear they were moving ahead with Adams, signing him to a contract extension. He’s expected to earn approximately $400,000 next season.

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Maciocia, meanwhile, periodically kept in touch with Harris and his agent, Paul Brown. It was anticipated Harris might sign with Ottawa, return to Edmonton, or BC following the recent retirement of Michael Reilly. But the Redblacks signed Jeremiah Masoli following his release from him by Hamilton.

Brown couldn’t be reached for comment to determine whether the Elks or Lions made contract offers. Although Harris was not immediately available, I have texted his pleasure from him to be returning.

“I’m excited to come back and be part of a championship drive with a first-class organization,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, Maciocia said talks with Brown intensified on Tuesday, the opening day of the CFL free agency, when it became apparent Harris wouldn’t be immediately signed by another organization.

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“If we can get (Harris) at a reasonable price, this is something we should all consider,” Maciocia explained. “The coaches felt strongly about it. Obviously there’s a lot of stuff that’s happening in free agency. Things fall into place. You try to read the situation for what it is. You call up and see where they’re at.

“Did I think we were actually going to consummate a deal here? Probably not. I just wanted to see where everybody was at. Obviously the landscape has changed since the conclusion of our season. Trevor’s a professional. He brings a lot of experience. I’m sure he can be of value to everyone here, even the other quarterbacks.”

Eight of the nine CFL teams played with a minimum of two quarterbacks last season while some — including the Als — utilized three. Montreal has six under contract, including recently-signed Dominique Davis following his release from Ottawa, but are expected to bring no more than five to training camp in mid-May.

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And a team can never have too much depth at any position.

“What happens if my left-tackle goes down? I need to have an answer,” Maciocia said. “You also need to have an answer if Adams goes down. If you don’t, that locker room is going to look at you and say you’re not helping us. I need to… make sure we have the best possible team available.”

Between head coach Khari Jones, former CFL legend Anthony Calvillo — the Als’ new quarterbacks coach — and now Harris, Adams has bountiful experience he can continue to rely on for advice.

Meanwhile, the Als also announced a contract extension for defensive-tackle Almondo Sewell through the 2023 season. And cornerback Monshadrick Hunter, a free agent, signed with Ottawa despite having several NFL workouts this winter.

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