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Montreal's Chevrier looking South

Montreal's Chevrier looking South

By Ian Busby

Ian Busby, Calgary Sun

Chevy is hoping to truck his long-snapping abilities to the NFL.

The Calgary Stampeders and veteran long-snapper/defensive lineman Randy Chevrier parted ways yesterday in a mutual agreement to allow the player a chance at signing with a U.S. team.

"I proved over my time with the Stamps I was, I think, the best in the league," said Chevrier.

"I had an entire year with a broken thumb, and I went flawless (in 2006). Last year was another good season. That helps my chances down south."

Chevrier spent three seasons in Calgary and was reliable in snapping for kicker Sandro DeAngelis and punters Burke Dales and Duncan O'Mahony.

Prior to long snapping for the Stampeders Chevrier had brief NFL stints in Dallas with the Cowboys and in New York with the Jets.

But last spring, the Stamps drafted Pat MacDonald out of the University of Alberta to be his eventual replacement.

At age 31, Chevrier is at the top of his game and felt this was a good time to explore some NFL options. He has hired an American agent.

"I knew Pat was my competition and possibly my replacement," Chevrier said. "But I'm not dead yet. I'm not on my way out as far as that's concerned. Pat proved he's a good young player and will be good in the future. But I'm still on top of my game."

Chevrier has given the Stamps first right of refusal if nothing has happened by April and he returns to the CFL.

A few NFL teams have already made contact with Chevrier's agent, but he is looking for the right situation where there is an opening for the job. The majority of NFL teams don't carry a backup long-snapper.