Als part ways with Stewart

The Montreal Alouettes have released veteran defensive lineman Anwar Stewart.

The former CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player has played 11 seasons in the Canadian Football League.

Stewart was a member of the Calgary Stampeders in 2001 where he recorded one tackle, but spent the last 10 seasons as a key part of the Alouettes defence.

The 35-year-old holds the club record for all-time quarterback sacks and career interception returns for touchdowns.

Stewart had 283 tackles, 66 sacks and 10 interceptions during his time in Montreal, while hoisting the Grey Cup three times with the organization in 2002, 2009 and 2010.

The three-time CFL East Division all-star is now eligible to sign with another team. CFL free agency begins Feb. 16.

The team also released non-import receiver Danny Desriveaux.

Desriveaux spent five seasons with the Alouettes after being drafted 43rd overall by Montreal in 2006. The 30-year-old native of Laval, Que., is a two-time Grey Cup champion with the Als.

"On behalf of the Montreal Alouettes, I would like to thank both players for their contributions both on the field and in the Montreal community," Alouettes owner Bob Wetenhall said in a release Wednesday.

"Anwar has been a leader on this team throughout his career and he will always be a member of the Alouettes family. We wish him continued success."