Lisbon, Portugal – February 20, 2026 – The Montreal Alouettes have bolstered their offensive line and defensive secondary with the addition of two American players, Arlington Hambright and Derrick Langford, the team announced Thursday. These signings come as the Alouettes prepare for the upcoming Canadian Football League (CFL) season, aiming to strengthen their roster ahead of what promises to be a competitive year.
The Alouettes’ move to add Hambright, a 30-year-old offensive lineman, signals a strategic effort to reinforce their protection for quarterback Cody Fajardo. Hambright brings a wealth of experience from his time in the National Football League (NFL), despite having bounced around several teams. His journey through the NFL demonstrates a persistent drive to compete at the professional level, and now he’s looking to translate that experience to the Canadian game. The CFL, known for its unique three-down football and wider field, presents a different set of challenges for players transitioning from the NFL, but Hambright’s versatility could prove valuable.
Arlington Hambright: From Michigan to Montreal
Arlington Hambright’s path to professional football was anything but conventional. Born January 30, 1996, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Hambright initially didn’t attract significant attention from major college programs, earning a “no-star” recruit designation. According to his Wikipedia profile, he began his collegiate career at Garden City Community College in 2015 and 2016, using the junior college route to gain exposure and refine his skills. He then transferred to Oklahoma State University, where he redshirted for a year and faced a setback with an injury that shortened his time with the Cowboys.
Hambright ultimately found a home at the University of Colorado, where he played his final season in 2019. He made a significant impact, starting every game for the Buffaloes that year. His performance caught the eye of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round (226th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft. The Bears acquired the draft pick as part of a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders that involved Khalil Mack, a prominent defensive end. Pro Football Reference details his NFL career, which included stints with the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, and Tennessee Titans. While he appeared in 15 NFL games, starting one, Hambright’s role was often limited, and he spent time on practice squads. His listed measurements are 6’5” and 300 lbs, making him a sizable presence on the offensive line.
Derrick Langford: A Defensive Addition from the UFL
Alongside Hambright, the Alouettes have also signed American defensive back Derrick Langford. The 26-year-old brings a different kind of experience to Montreal, having most recently played in the United Football League (UFL). Langford, who stands at 6’3” and weighs 200 lbs, played college football at Washington State University from 2019 to 2022. During his time with the Cougars, he accumulated 39 tackles, two interceptions – one of which he returned for a touchdown – and four pass knockdowns in his senior year. As reported by CFL.ca, Langford’s versatility and ball-hawking abilities made him an attractive prospect for the Alouettes.
Following his collegiate career, Langford spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the San Antonio Brahmas in the UFL. He also had a brief opportunity with the New York Jets in 2024, participating in three preseason games where he recorded eight tackles and two pass breakups. This experience in both the UFL and the NFL preseason demonstrates his ability to compete at a high level and adapt to different defensive schemes. The Alouettes will be hoping he can bring that same tenacity and playmaking ability to their secondary.
What These Signings Mean for the Alouettes
The addition of Hambright and Langford represents a calculated move by the Alouettes to address needs on both sides of the ball. The offensive line is a critical component of any successful football team, and Hambright’s experience, even if limited in game action, could provide valuable depth and competition. His ability to play multiple positions on the line could also be an asset. On the defensive side, Langford’s coverage skills and knack for creating turnovers could bolster a secondary looking to improve its playmaking ability.
The CFL is a league known for its Canadian talent, but American players often play key roles, particularly on offense. The Alouettes, like other CFL teams, rely on a mix of both Canadian and American players to build a competitive roster. These recent signings demonstrate the team’s commitment to finding players who can contribute to their success, regardless of their background. The Alouettes are aiming to build on their previous seasons and contend for a Grey Cup championship, and these additions are a step in that direction.
The Alouettes’ coaching staff will now focus on integrating Hambright and Langford into their systems and evaluating their potential contributions. Training camp will be crucial in determining how quickly they can adapt to the CFL game and earn a spot on the roster. The team will be looking for them to demonstrate not only their physical skills but also their ability to learn and contribute to the team’s overall success.
The CFL season is scheduled to begin in June, and the Alouettes will be looking to make a strong start. With these new additions, they are hoping to have the pieces in place to challenge for the top spot in the East Division and ultimately compete for the Grey Cup. The coming months will be critical as the team prepares for the challenges ahead.
The next key date for the Montreal Alouettes is the start of training camp, scheduled for May 15th, 2026, at Olympic Stadium. Further details can be found on the Alouettes official website. This will provide the first opportunity to see Hambright and Langford in action with their new team.
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