Alouettes release LB Bear Woods

In somewhat of a head-scratching move, the Montreal Alouettes released reigning CFL East Division defensive player of the year Bear Woods on Monday, ending his seven-year tenure with the club, according to The Canadian Press.

Alouettes general manager Kavis Reed addressed the move, explaining it was made to give younger players greater opportunity to play, according to Farhan Lalji of TSN.

"We felt that at this point and time that we have different options on our defence that will allow that unit to keep performing at a high level," Reed said.

Lalji also reports that money was not a deciding factor, as the Alouettes had the cap space to retain Woods' services.

Woods enjoyed a career year last season, recording 126 tackles, five sacks, and two interceptions over 18 games.