The Montreal Alouettes announced Thursday the contract extension of defensive end Shawn Lemon, who will be tied to the team until the end of the 2024 season.

The Charleston, South Carolina native arrived in Montreal this past season and made an immediate impact on the team’s defense.

In just 13 games, the American made 26 tackles, nine sacks and knocked down four passes. The 35-year-old also made two interceptions and caused a fumble that he returned for a major.

In the Gray Cup game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Lemon made three tackles and a sack to help the Alouettes win the eighth title in their history.

“Shawn had an immediate impact on our defense and he did an excellent job of manhandling opposing quarterbacks,” said Alouettes general manager Danny Maciocia. He arrived in the middle of the season and adapted to the team chemistry instantly. He has been an excellent veteran for our young players, and he fully deserves what is happening to him. We are happy that he is coming back with us. »

Lemon could have become an unrestricted free agent on February 13.

He joined the Alouettes on July 24, after being cut by the British Columbia Lions during their training camp due to the ratio of Canadian players.

In 148 CFL games, Lemon recorded 257 tackles, 101 sacks and forced 31 fumbles. He wore the colors of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Toronto Argonauts and Calgary Stampeders before arriving in the nest.