MONTREAL — The Montreal Alouettes have signed defensive back and special teams ace Ed Gainey to a three-year contract.

Gainey had a breakout season with Montreal in 2013. The second-year pro scored his first career CFL touchdown in a Week 3 home game against Calgary after blocking Stampeder Rob Maver’s punt and returning it 38 yards.

He almost scored again Sept. 8 against the Argonauts. He scooped up a forced fumble by teammate Bear Woods on Toronto punter Noel Prefontaine before running it back 33 yards to the Argos one-yard line to set up a touchdown on the following play.

He finished the season with eight tackles on special teams.

In addition to his duties on special teams, the native of Winston-Salem, N.C., also contributed on defence and recorded a career-high 13 defensive tackles.

"Ed brings a physical presence to the secondary and to special teams," said Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach Jim Popp. "His development will continue heading into his third year and we expect Ed to have a great shot at starting for us in 2014."

The Alouettes also signed cornerback Mitchell White and defensive end Collins Ukwu to two-year deals, and defensive back Trevard Lindly to a new three-year contract.

White joined the Alouettes’ practice roster last October having previously signed with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent earlier in the year. The 23-year-old played five seasons at the Michigan State University from 2008 to 2012.

Ukwu signed with the Minnesota Vikings and participated in the team’s training camp in 2013 prior to joining the Alouettes’ practice roster last October.

Lindley, a fourth-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010, played in 11 games in his rookie campaign and tallied 21 tackles and an interception. He was released as part of the team’s final roster cut down in 2011, but rejoined the Eagles during the 2012 off-season.

The Alouettes also released non-import linebacker Curtis Dublanko.