MONTREAL — After it was initially reported last week, the Montreal Alouettes have officially acquired CFL All-Star and international offensive tackle Jovan Olafioye from the BC Lions.

The Alouettes also get future considerations from BC in return for the rights to national offensive tackle David Foucault, as well as international offensive tackle Vincent Brown.

Both teams confirmed the deal on Monday.

Olafioye, 6-foot-6, 325 pounds, possesses an impressive résumé in the CFL, although he is only 29-years-old, as he was named a CFL All-Star the past six seasons. The seven-year veteran was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2012, after helping the Lions win the Grey Cup in 2011, while he was protecting quarterback Travis Lulay, who was elected the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player that same season.

“It’s not everyday that you have the opportunity to acquire a player of Jovan’s caliber, one who has performed at such a high level day in and day out, without ever missing a start,” declared Alouettes General Manager Kavis Reed. “With this transaction we are addressing a pressing need that we had on the offensive line.

“Unfortunately, we had to trade away a player that we were looking forward to see in an Alouettes uniform to do so. We are very excited to welcome Jovan in the nest and are anxious to see him out on the field to protect a veteran quarterback such as Darian Durant, all while creating holes for running back Tyrell Sutton.”

From the Lions’ perspective, the trade changes the ratio along the O-line, where Antonio Johnson is the only international now slated to start.

“Acquiring David allows us to possibly develop a plan to play four Canadians along the offensive line and perhaps more importantly, it ensures there is a depth of talent backing up each position,” said GM and Head Coach Wally Buono. “He’s a former first-round draft choice with two years of NFL development, so we expect him to come in and compete at a very high level.”

“Jovan was a big part of our team,” added Buono. “He has been a true professional throughout his time with us and during this entire process. We wish him the very best as a member of the Alouettes.”

In addition to Foucault, the Lions pick up international Vincent Brown, a 6-foot-6, 350-pound tackle who was originally signed by Montreal in 2015 during the CFL’s annual practice roster expansion period. The Florida native who spent his collegiate days at Southern Mississippi and Pittsburg State, saw action in the Als’ season finale that year and also attended training camp with the club in 2016.

“As we close in on training camp, we are determined to create the highest level of competition at every position on the field,” said Buono. “Vincent is a young lineman and he’s going to come in here and fight for a roster spot.”

Olafioye brings even more star power to the Alouettes during what’s been a busy off-season. The Detroit, Mich. native, played his first CFL-game on July 4, 2010 and has not missed a single game since then, making 126 consecutive starts.

During that time, he helped the Lions’ offensive line finish atop the CFL for least sacks allowed in 2011 and 2012. He was also selected the West Division’s Most Outstanding Lineman on three separate occasions (2011, 2012 and 2015).

Last season, Olafioye was moved to the left tackle position and helped protect quarterback Jonathon Jennings, who threw for more than 5,000 yards, all while allowing the Lions offence to amass over 2,000 rushing-yards.

Foucault was the team’s first round (fifth overall) draft pick in the 2014 CFL Canadian Draft. The 28-year-old then spent the following two seasons with the Carolina Panthers in the NFL, playing five games with the team in 2014, including one start. Brown was a member of the Alouettes’ practice squad in 2015.