Sales

MONTREAL — Tyrell Sales is getting back into the game.

The former Butler High and Penn State linebacker signed a one-year contract with the Grey Cup champion Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.

"The deal is for one year plus an option year," said Sales' agent-advisor Albert Thomas. "This will get Tyrell on the field and, hopefully, be the next step toward getting into the NFL.

"Playing in the NFL remains his ultimate goal."

Sales confirmed Friday that he had agreed to a contract with Montreal, but could not be reached for further comment.

Sales wasn't selected in last spring's NFL Draft, but was signed as a free agent by the Indianapolis Colts the day after the draft.

Sales was released by the Colts before training camp.

"That was a numbers game. The Colts really liked him," Thomas said. "It got to a point where they didn't have room for him and couldn't afford to bring him in."

Thomas said Sales worked out for the Seattle Seahawks last summer, but wasn't offered a contract.

Since then, the firm Thomas represents, Sports Management Worldwide, based in Portland, Ore., has been shopping Sales' services.

"While the NFL was our first priority, we've been talking to CFL teams as well," Thomas said. "Jim Popp, the president and general manager of the Alouettes, expressed interest in Tyrell. He's going up there in April to work out."

Scott Milanovich, another Butler graduate, is the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator for the Alouettes. Thomas said Milanovich was not a factor in Sales' signing with the organization.

"We never talked to Mr. Milanovich," Thomas said. "Whether he recommended Tyrell, I don't know. It is a good connection, though, and maybe he'll help keep Tyrell up there.

"They're getting a good player. He'll be ready. I know he's hungry."

The 6-foot-2, 233-pound Sales was third on Penn State's defense with 68 tackles in 2008. He had 154 tackles and played in four bowl games with the Nittany Lions.

Sales did not play organized football in 2009.