Long-time Stampeder Nik Lewis announces his signing with the Alouettes on Twitter

One of the Calgary Stampeders' longest-tenured players is moving on to new pastures. Import receiver Nik Lewis had been with the team since 2004, posting 11,250 receiving yards and 65 touchdowns for them across 11 regular seasons and helping them win two Grey Cups, but he battled an ankle injury this year and had trouble cracking the lineup when he returned, recording just 37 catches for 377 yards in the regular season. He became a free agent this offseason, and while some figured there was still a chance he'd return to Calgary, Lewis himself shot down that idea, announcing on Twitter Wednesday afternoon that he's signed with the Montreal Alouettes:

Lewis told Scott Mitchell of The Calgary Sun leaving Calgary was emotional for him:

His departure will certainly be an emotional one for fans, too, as Lewis had been such a key part of Calgary's lineup for so long. However, this is a move that likely makes some sense for Lewis, the Stampeders and the Alouettes. According to Mitchell, Montreal's expected to pay him around $120,000 this year. While that's not top dollar for a veteran import receiver, it's likely substantially more than Calgary was willing to pay for a guy who's 32, coming off a bad injury, and wasn't a big part of their plans down the stretch; yes, he started in the Grey Cup, but only had one catch for 13 yards.

The Stampeders have substantial depth at receiver (part of why they traded Maurice Price earlier this offseason), and there may be more opportunities for Lewis in Montreal; while the Alouettes were able to re-sign S.J. Green earlier this offseason and do return Brandon London, they lost league all-star Duron Carter to the NFL, and their receiving corps wasn't terribly deep even before that. They did add Sam Giguere earlier this offseason, but they also let Dave Stala walk in free agency. If Lewis is able to stay healthy, he could be a big part of Montreal's offence, and he may still have some good seasons left in his tank. It will certainly be disappointing for some Calgary fans to see such a popular long-time player suiting up for another team, but this looks like a situation that might work out for everyone (similar to Geroy Simon finishing his career in Saskatchewan). We'll see how Lewis does with the Alouettes, but he should have more opportunity there and make more than he would have with the Stampeders. It will be different to see him in another jersey (and not wearing #82), but different isn't always bad.