http://blogs.montrealgazette.com/2013/08/14/als-sign-former-nfl-qb-smith/

 

Will Troy Smith develop into the future quarterback of the Alouettes? Time will tell, and Smith certainly is just the latest pivot who has had that moniker attached to his name.

 

In a surprise development, the Als announced the signing of Smith, 29, late Wednesday night to a two-year contract. Smith, a former Heisman Trophy winner, will be at practice on Thursday.

 

The 6-foot, 225 pounder won the Heisman, awarded annually to the top NCAA player, in 2006 while playing for Ohio State University. He led the Buckeyes to the BCS national championship game at the conclusion of that season. In three collegiate seasons, he passed for 5,720 yards and 54 touchdowns.

Smith was selected in the fifth round (174th overall) of the NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens in 2007. In three seasons with the Ravens, he completed 48 of 89 passes for 558 yards. He played 14 games for Baltimore.

 

He signed with San Francisco the following season, starting five games and winning three.

 

Smith spent 2011 in the UFL with Omaha before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was released two months ago.

 

“We’ve been in discussions for well over three months and have been patiently waiting for Troy to finish his commitments at Ohio State,” general manager and head coach Jim Popp said in a release. “We’ll have to fast-track Troy in order to get him over the learning curve of the CFL and caught up to speed over the next several weeks. He’s here to learn and grasp the game for future competition.”

 

Smith has struggled with his accuracy over the years. He has been on the Als’ negotiation list since September 2005.

 

He becomes the fourth quarterback under contract to Montreal.

 

Anthony Calvillo, who turns 41 next week, is the established starter. He’s backed up by Josh Neiswander and rookie Tanner Marsh. Calvillo has another season remaining on his contract.

 

Meanwhile, receiver Brandon London was held out of Wednesday’s practice. London’s suffering from a bone bruise, a contusion at the bottom of his thigh.

But he vowed he’ll practice on Thursday and plans on playing this Saturday, when the Als visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

 

 

Love the signing. Not sure how he'll transfer over to the Canadian game, but he was very fun to watch for Ohio State, and I look forward to him getting a shot next season when his number is called.

_{On the heels of re signing 38 year old Anwar Stewart NFL flop Troy Smith means the Als are A-ok.}

Why do the Als even bother with a backup qb? They never play any of them no matter what the score.

If things keep going this way, I can see them FINALLY pulling Calvillo... but I think he'd flip tbh.

If things keep going this way, I can see them FINALLY pulling Calvillo... but I think he'd flip tbh.

 

At some point that organization needs to turn the page .. he has to accept that .. he doesn't have to like it .. but he does have to accept it. 

Well, AC didn't do much to help his cause with his histrionics on the field & with the media. Yeah, we get you're unhappy Anthony. We don't have to see it with every incomplete pass you throw.

Well, AC didn't do much to help his cause with his histrionics on the field & with the media. Yeah, we get you're unhappy Anthony. We don't have to see it with every incomplete pass you throw.

 

yeah his "hands in the air" motion after every play is really getting tiring.  I am wondering if he is feeling betrayed by his receivers.

How quickly people forget. On H&L ot the local Calgary radio, I forget which, they referred to the Als as an ex of handling adversity with dignity. Though I suppose the rest of the team stayed mum for the most part...

Troy Smith is a 29 year old QB with no arm. When was the last time an undersized college star QB who was a bust in the NFL translated well to the CFL game. Brad Banks, Eric Crouch and Jared Zabransky say hello and goodbye, Troy.

 

What this says for Max Hall, I'm not sure. At least he was a more pro-style QB.

yeah his "hands in the air" motion after every play is really getting tiring.  I am wondering if he is feeling betrayed by his receivers.

I bet they feel his whining & "Who Me?" atitude is making them feel like it's the passer & not the catcher. AC is throwing his hands in the air to make the offense look bad except him. AC has become a real tool. A 20 year veteran is going to go out a loser, whiner & a cry baby.