Several days ago, it appeared the Alouettes were out of the hunt – no pun intended – for free-agent defensive-tackle Aaron Hunt.

But on Saturday afternoon, it appeared Hunt was on the verge of signing with the Als for two years, according to TSN.ca.

The two sides are close to agreeing on a deal, although no contract has officially been signed. But Hunt, through his Twitter account, is making it sound like that’s a mere formality.

“Bittersweet day today but I figured it would feel this way!,” Hunt posted @ahunt90. “Time to turn another page in the chapter of A. Hunts book!”

Later, Hunt issued another Tweet: “I gotta ask does anyone have a hook up on that Rosetta stone? I gotta learn some French!! Lol.”

The 6-foot-3, 280-pound Hunt, 31, has spent his entire six-year Canadian Football League career with the British Columbia Lions. He was the league’s outstanding rookie in 2006 and is a two-time CFL all-star, including last season, when he registered seven quarterback sacks for the Grey Cup champions.

Hunt had a career-high 11 sacks in 2008 and has 41 throughout his career.

The Als have an opening for a defensive tackle following the release this week of veteran Eric Wilson.

Hunt earned about $130,000 last season with the Lions, but B.C. offered less than $100,000 when they first approached him about re-signing. It was also made clear to Hunt he would probably play less next season, following the emergence of Khalif Mitchell.

Hunt’s agent, Darren Gill, was in negotiations with the Lions, Hamilton and Montreal. But the Tiger-Cats have been on a free-agent spending spree this week, including the signing of receiver Andy Fantuz from Saskatchewan.

It’s well imagined the Als went back to Gill and increased their offer, after the two sides began negotiating on Wednesday.

Neither Gill nor Als general manager Jim Popp could be reached for comment.

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