Could The Alouettes Have Jimmy Clausen on Their CFL Radar?

According to NBC’s Profootballtalk website, the Carolina Panthers are contemplating releasing former second draft pick Jimmy Clausen.

As many people know, Clausen comes from a family rich in quarterback tradition as his older brothers Rick, and Casey both played in the SEC.

The younger Clausen was projected to be a first round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft. However, it seemed that his draft stock was losing steam due to the rumour having a cocky attitude. As a result, he dropped into the second round before the Panthers selected him.

In his rookie year, even though the Panthers were a terrible team, Clausen did not show any sign of hope that he would turn around the morbid franchise. He finished the season with three touchdowns, and a 52.5 percent passing completion.

Shortly thereafter, the Panthers decided to exercise their first overall selection on Auburn quarterback, Cam Newton. They haven’t looked back.

What was worse in the 2011 season, Clausen did not see any playing time. His cohort Legedu Naanee, had one passing attempt. For those who don’t know, Naanee plays receiver for the Panthers.

If Clausen is released, I am sure, there would be NFL suitors. But if it doesn’t work out, could there be any consideration for him to venture up to the CFL?

He may be on a team's negotiation's list but if he isn't. He does have a connection to Montreal Alouettes head coach, Marc Trestman, who tutored him in his passing mechanics in the lead up to the draft.

Trestman, has first hand knowledge on how Clausen operates as a person and player. Furthermore, Clausen is still 24 years old, which is plenty of time for him to realize his full potential as a quarterback. Trestman could very well consider adding him to the roster.

Historically, Trestman does have a track record of bringing in old faces (DaJuan Morgan, Jerry Porter, and O.J. Santiago) he knows from his previous coaching stops to see if they could crack the team’s roster.

As we all know, the worst kept secret hovering over the Alouettes is who could be the future quarterback once Anthony Calvillo decides to retire? There’s no denying that Calvillo’s backup Adrian McPherson would be given every opportunity to claim his place as the heir apparent.

As written in a previous article, McPherson has said the right things about his future with the team in that he will patiently wait. But, how much longer could McPherson wait for Calvillo?

Right now, nothing has been decided from Panthers management on the future of Clausen. But if the scenario plays out that Clausen would trek up to Montreal. Then the Alouettes could potentially have found their future quarterback.

Or better yet, they will have great competition for the quarterback position which will ease the inevitable tension that team’s fans will have post-Calvillo era.

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