The Montreal Alouettes operate under the CFL’s $6.065 million salary cap for 2025, featuring young quarterback Davis Alexander earning $258,000 hard money with $336,000 maximum after replacing traded Grey Cup MVP Cody Fajardo.
Montreal signed offensive lineman Pier-Olivier Lestage to a three-year extension making him one of the CFL’s highest-paid non-quarterbacks at $240,000 annually escalating to $260,000 by 2028.
Head coach Jason Maas led the defending Grey Cup champions to 10-8 record and East Final victory over Hamilton before losing the 2025 Grey Cup final to Saskatchewan, extending Montreal’s coaching staff through 2028 with recent contract extensions.
The organization maintains competitive spending while transitioning from expensive veterans to cost-controlled young talent.
Discover the Montreal Alouettes players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.
| Quarterbacks (QB) | Running Backs (RB) | Wide Receivers (WR) |
| Davis Alexander | Walter Fletcher | Austin Mack |
| McLeod Bethel-Thompson | Travis Theis | Tyson Philpot |
| Caleb Evans | Sean Thomas Erlington | Cole Spieker |
| Charleston Rambo | ||
| Tyler Snead | ||
| Regis Cibasu | ||
| Shedler Fervius | ||
| Hakeem Harris | ||
| James Letcher Jr. |
Estimated Top 5 Highest-Paid Montreal Alouettes Players
| Rank | Player | Position | Est. Salary (CAD) | Contract Type | Notes |
| 1 | Davis Alexander | Quarterback | $258,000 | Through 2027 | $336K max, 7-0 record as starter |
| 2 | Pier-Olivier Lestage | Offensive Line | $240,000 | Through 2028 | $260K by 2028, All-East 2025 |
| 3 | Tyson Philpot | Receiver | $210,000 | Multi-year | Est. top Canadian receiver |
| 4 | Austin Mack | Receiver | $191,000 | Through 2028 | $203K max, $40K roster bonus |
| 5 | Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund | Defensive Line | $180,000 | Multi-year | Est. defensive anchor |
Davis Alexander’s $258,000 hard money ranks 8th among CFL starting quarterbacks despite perfect 7-0 record before season-ending hamstring injury in Week 8.
The 26-year-old Gig Harbor, Washington native can earn maximum $336,000 through playtime incentives, statistical bonuses, and playoff performance payments.
His three-year extension signed November 2024 represents massive discount versus predecessor Cody Fajardo’s $482,000 salary Montreal refused paying after Alexander’s emergence.
Pier-Olivier Lestage’s $240,000 compensation in 2026 ranks among CFL’s elite offensive linemen alongside Toronto’s Ryan Hunter ($270,000) and Winnipeg’s Drew Desjarlais ($189,800).
His contract escalates to $250,000 in 2027 and $260,000 in 2028 with $6,000 annual all-star incentives available, creating four-year commitment totaling over $1 million through guaranteed $40,000 final year.
The 28-year-old Montreal native made 17 starts at left guard earning first All-East selection, protecting Alexander during undefeated stretch.
Montreal Alouettes Coaching Staff & Management
Jason Maas serves as head coach earning estimated $300,000-375,000 CAD annually after signing two-year extension through 2028 season in October 2025.
The 49-year-old American compiled impressive 33-19-1 record across three seasons including 2023 Grey Cup championship, becoming sixth coach in franchise history surpassing 30 career wins.
Maas handles offensive play-calling while general manager Danny Maciocia controls personnel decisions under separate two-year extension through 2029.
Maciocia’s senior vice president of football operations and general manager role commands estimated $250,000-325,000 annually, lower than Toronto’s dual-role executives but competitive within francophone market constraints.
Montreal maintains strict division between coaching and personnel unlike Calgary’s combined structure, requiring additional $200,000+ annual front office compensation.
Assistant coach salaries range $80,000-120,000 CAD annually, with offensive coordinator earning upper range around $115,000 and defensive coordinator receiving $105,000. Position coaches earn $75,000-95,000 while special teams coordinator commands $85,000-100,000.
Total coaching staff budget estimated at $1.5-1.8 million represents CFL’s upper-middle tier, trailing only Toronto among East Division teams.
How CFL Salaries Work at Montreal Alouettes
The CFL’s $6.065 million hard salary cap for 2025 increased $412,365 from 2024 driven by record attendance growth and gameday revenue.
Montreal allocates just 4.3% of cap space to Davis Alexander’s quarterback position at $258,000 hard money, dramatically below league average 8-10% and creating massive savings versus elite QB spending by Toronto (Chad Kelly $615,000) and BC (Nathan Rourke $624,200).
Montreal’s 2025 Youth Investment Strategy:
- Davis Alexander (QB): $258,000 – Unproven 7-0 starter replacing $482K veteran
- Pier-Olivier Lestage (OL): $240,000 – Homegrown All-East anchor
- Austin Mack (WR): $191,000 – Long-term weapon through 2028
- Tyson Philpot (WR): $210,000 est. – Emerging Canadian star
- Total young core: ~$899,000 (14.8% of cap)
Montreal’s cost-controlled philosophy saved approximately $224,000 annually trading Cody Fajardo to Edmonton and promoting Alexander, reinvesting savings into offensive line protection through Lestage’s extension.
The Alouettes spent 45-50% of salary cap on defensive starters while maintaining balanced 25-30% offensive skill position allocation, contrasting Hamilton’s offense-heavy 55-60% approach.
This strategy mirrors 2023 Grey Cup championship formula combining elite defense with efficient offense led by then-affordable Fajardo before his $482,000 extension.
Davis Alexander Contract Breakdown
Davis Alexander signed three-year extension through 2027 earning $258,000 hard money for 2025 with $336,000 maximum compensation including bonuses.
His contract structure includes base salary around $160,000, signing bonus details undisclosed, $15,000 marketing money, and $14,700 standard housing allowance.
Playtime incentives allow collecting $500 each time playing over 51% offensive snaps in games, potentially adding $9,000 across 18 regular-season starts.
Statistical bonuses include $2,500 for leading team in touchdown passes, $2,500 for leading in passing yards, $1,500 for leading East Division in TDs, and $1,500 for league-leading touchdowns.
All-star selections trigger $1,000 (All-East), $2,000 (All-CFL), or $3,000 (Most Outstanding Player) additional payments.
Alexander’s 2025 season produced 2,024 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions across 7 starts before hamstring injury ended his campaign. Performance triggered most playtime incentives pushing actual earnings toward $300,000 despite missing 10 games.
His cost-controlled contract allows Montreal allocating savings toward defensive reinforcements and offensive line stability through 2027.
Financial Reality for Montreal Alouettes Players
Average Montreal Alouettes salary approximates $105,000-115,000 CAD, below league average due to youth-focused roster construction prioritizing cost-controlled talent over expensive veterans.
Only 6-8 players earn above $180,000, with the Alouettes’ balanced spending approach avoiding top-heavy contracts outside quarterback position. Most offensive linemen earn $110,000-165,000 while receivers average $95,000-165,000 excluding elite targets like Austin Mack.
Montreal benefits from Quebec’s unique francophone culture creating player loyalty and willingness accepting below-market salaries for cultural fit. French-speaking Canadians like Pier-Olivier Lestage prioritize remaining in Quebec despite potentially higher offers from Western Canadian teams.
However, Montreal’s cost of living creates challenges with average rent exceeding $2,100 monthly consuming 22-25% of rookie salaries versus 17-20% in Hamilton or 15-18% in Edmonton.
Off-season employment remains necessary for 65-70% of roster earning under $120,000, though Montreal’s bilingual job market offers finance, sales, media, and coaching opportunities.
Players face pressure maintaining championship standards after 2023 Grey Cup victory despite management’s patient rebuild around young, affordable core.
FAQs
How much does Davis Alexander make?
Davis Alexander earns $258,000 hard money for 2025 through his three-year contract extension, with $336,000 maximum compensation including playtime and statistical bonuses. His salary ranks 8th among CFL starting quarterbacks despite perfect 7-0 record before injury.
What is Pier-Olivier Lestage’s salary?
Pier-Olivier Lestage earns $240,000 in 2026 escalating to $250,000 in 2027 and $260,000 in 2028 through his three-year extension. His compensation ranks among CFL’s elite offensive linemen with $6,000 annual all-star incentives available.
Why did Montreal trade Cody Fajardo?
Montreal traded 2023 Grey Cup MVP Cody Fajardo to Edmonton after refusing to pay his $482,000 scheduled 2025 salary. Davis Alexander’s emergence at $258,000 created $224,000 annual savings while maintaining quarterback competitiveness.
Can Montreal Alouettes players make a living year-round?
Only top 6-8 earners like Davis Alexander ($258K) and Pier-Olivier Lestage ($240K) avoid off-season jobs. Most players earning $80,000-120,000 require secondary employment during November-May offseason, though Montreal’s bilingual market creates more opportunities than smaller CFL cities.
