MONTREAL - The Montreal Alouettes kept their defensive backfield intact Tuesday by extending the contract of veteran Billy Parker for two seasons.

Parker had 42 defensive tackles and an interception last season. The defensive back tied for the CFL lead with nine pass knockdowns.

"Billy was our most consistent performer last year in the secondary," Alouettes general manager Jim Popp said in a statement. "His extension is not only important as a skilled player on the field, but more importantly his leadership on the field, in the locker-room and humanitarian efforts off the field."

In 105 CFL games, all with the Alouettes, Parker has 283 defensive tackles, 10 interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He helped Montreal win Grey Cups in 2009 and 2010 and was an East all-star in 2013.

The Alouettes had earlier re-signed defensive backfielders Jerald Brown, Geoff Tisdale and Jamahl Knowles.