Montreal Alouettes re-sign all-star linebacker Chip Cox to three-year deal

MONTREAL - The Montreal Alouettes re-signed all-star linebacker Chip Cox to a three-year contract on Tuesday.

Cox was the CFL's most outstanding defensive player in 2013 and is the team's all-time career leader with 326 defensive tackles.

"Chip Cox is a model of consistency," general manager Jim Popp said in a release. "Never one to draw attention, he just comes to work every day as though it's game day. Over the past six years, I do not think there has been any one player that has consistently affected the game anymore than Chip.

"He hasn't missed a game, he has the uncanny ability to be a game changer at any moment. He gives you the utmost confidence that you have a chance to win when he is on the field and as effective as he is on defence, he is just as effective on special teams when asked to play."

The 31-year-old Columbus native had 73 defensive tackles last season, including eight tackles for losses and three sacks.

Cox also scored two touchdowns in 2014. One TD came on a 24-yard interception return and the other came on a 55-yard run after a forced fumble.

"Chip has been Johnny on the Spot for years and in our eyes, is the best defensive player in the CFL," Popp said. "He could have easily been named (most outstanding player) several times. Although Chip has already been one of the highest-paid players in the CFL, we have made sure that he gets his recognition as the highest-paid defensive player in the CFL."

The Alouettes went 9-9 in the regular season. They dropped a 40-24 decision to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the East Division final.