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Although undersized at 5-foot-8, GM Danny Maciocia believes the 26-year-old can make an impact on Montreal's offence.
Published May 14, 2026 • Last updated 9 minutes ago • 3 minute read
"I'd like to find a home somewhere," says receiver Jerreth Sterns, who signed a one-year deal with the Als on Feb. 10.
"I'd like to find a home somewhere," says receiver Jerreth Sterns, who signed a one-year deal with the Als on Feb. 10. Photo by Kayle Neis /Regina Leader-Post
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When Jerreth Sterns walked off the Molson Stadium field in November, his season and career with Winnipeg having ended, little could he have predicted his next journey would take him to the Alouettes.
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"At the time, I was frustrated with the playoff loss," Sterns told The Gazette by telephone Thursday after the team's training camp practices at Université Laval in Ste-Foy. "I wasn't thinking about any future things. I was just upset that me and my guys couldn't get it done."
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Sterns caught four passes for 59 yards — including a 21-yard gain — that afternoon in the East Division semifinal, but it wasn't enough as the Blue Bombers were unable to overcome a 17-0 first-quarter deficit en route to a 42-33 defeat.
Sterns spent one season in Winnipeg, having signed there as a free-agent receiver, and caught 48 passes for 530 yards in 14 games while scoring four touchdowns. A free agent last February, the Bombers didn't offer the 26-year-old a contract.
While Sterns denied it created any animosity, he wasted little time signing a one-year deal with the Als on Feb. 10, the opening day of free agency.
"It's another opportunity to play pro football," said Sterns, a native of Waxahachie, Tex. "It's a great culture over here. They've been winning. They have a great quarterback (Davis Alexander), great locker room, from everybody I talked to. I'm experiencing that now first-hand. And everybody around the league obviously knows the kind of coach (Jason) Maas is.
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"I'd like to find a home somewhere."
Although undersized at 5-foot-8, Als general manager Danny Maciocia saw something in Sterns that he liked and believes he can make an impact on Montreal's offence.
"I like his route-running and experience," Maciocia said. "And his ability to make plays with the ball in his hands."
Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Jerreth Sterns catches the ball during practice at Mosaic Stadium on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 in Regina.Kayle Neis / Regina Leader-Post
"You have to go prove yourself each and every year," receiver Jerreth Sterns says. "Being an undersized guy, I kind of had to do that each step of the way."
The Als reached the Grey Cup last season for the second time in three years before losing to Saskatchewan. While the team is set at most positions, there are at least two openings at receiver after the departures of Austin Mack and Charleston Rambo.
Mack was released before receiving an off-season bonus, eventually signing with Edmonton, while Rambo was hoping for an NFL opportunity that might not materialize. Mack was frequently injured and never replicated his statistics from 2023, when he caught 78 passes for 1,154 yards. Rambo, while fleet of foot, was underutilized in the Als' scheme, but he still caught 54 passes for 585 yards in 17 games last season.
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The Als are hoping Sterns and Alexander Hollins will be suitable replacements. Hollins joined the Als last July after being released by B.C., but was unable to crack the starting roster consistently. He dressed for only five games, catching eight passes for 163 yards.
And management is excited about several rookies who could crack the roster, depending on their camp workouts and exhibition game performances. The Als' first pre-season match is May 22, at home against Ottawa.
Sterns, a former quarterback, played at Houston Baptist University (now Houston Christian). As a freshman, he had 68 receptions for 684 yards and scored four touchdowns.
But it was after his transfer as a senior to Western Kentucky that Sterns excelled. In 14 games, he caught 150 passes for 1,902 yards. Following NFL stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams, Sterns signed with Saskatchewan in 2023. In two seasons with the Roughriders, he caught 83 passes for 941 yards with three touchdowns.
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As a former quarterback, Sterns considers himself cerebral and cognizant of everything happening on the field. He also believes he possesses consistent hands. Maciocia said Sterns has been enjoying a productive camp, which started last Sunday.
"You have to go prove yourself each and every year," Sterns said. "Being an undersized guy, I kind of had to do that each step of the way. I kind of pride myself on being a smart guy and being a true professional. From personal experience, I don't notice that I'm undersized out there. Be a true professional and know all the positions.
"And obviously being able to get open, because you have to be able to create separation when you're this size. Make the plays when they come your way. I don't think I've been told directly that I'm too small. And even if they did, I wouldn't believe it. Each and every time you step on the field, it's another opportunity – regardless of who's out there and who's not."
hzurkowsky@postmedia.com
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