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Slotback S.J. Green, on the other hand, appeared on his way out before signing a three-year deal in late January.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Tisdale, who turns 29 on Feb. 21, isn’t sure why his deal has taken this long, but claimed he’s not surprised or hurt.

“This is how it goes. It’s a process. We had a pretty long free-agency list. Obviously, they have some other needs. It was only a matter of time before they go to me,” he said. “It’s nothing to get hurt over. That would be ridiculous.”

Tisdale and his agent, Ferrell Elliott, spoke Saturday night. Elliott said he expects talks with Popp to resume Monday. In a text message to the Montreal Gazette, Popp simply stated: “Still talking.”

Tisdale joined the Als as a free agent in February 2013 and has enjoyed his two most productive seasons playing for Montreal. He intercepted seven passes for 84 yards and scored a touchdown in 2013, scoring once more on a 47-yard fumble return. Although the Als intercepted only 13 passes last season — a misleading figure, given the strength of the defence — Tisdale had five. No other Montreal player had more than one.