Alouettes ink Watkins, Carter, McElveen

The Montreal Alouettes inked one of their top receivers on Monday, the eve of CFL free agency.

The team announced wide receiver Kerry Watkins signed a two-year deal, plus an option.

"It's great that [Watkins] has decided to continue his career with us; he was the final piece of our starting 12 to lock in for 2010," Alouettes vice-president and GM Jim Popp said in a statement.

"We are happy that he wants to continue to be a part of our winning organization."

Montreal also announced it has come to terms with non-import fullback Kerry Carter — also for two years, plus an option. Import defensive end Jermaine McElveen re-signed for one year, plus an option.

The CFL free agency period begins at 12:01 a.m. ET Tuesday.

In 2009, Watkins had 81 catches for 1,243 yards and eight touchdowns with the Grey Cup champion Alouettes.

In six seasons with Montreal, the 30-year-old from LaPlace, La., has 428 catches for 6,066 yards and 37 TDs. He was also named an East Division all-star in 2009.

In 2009 with the Alouettes, Carter recorded over 300 yards from scrimmage and added a pair of touchdowns.

McElveen has played 25 career games with the Alouettes and has 30 tackles and three sacks.