Welcome to the Chris Jones era in Saskatchewan. Just days after trading for Ottawa receiver Maurice Price he has cut two former CFL all-stars and two of the team’s most popular players. The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced that they have released wide receiver Weston Dressler and defensive end John Chick. It is thought that this was a cap crunching move as both salaries combined to about $500,000 per year. In a league of a salary cap of a little over $5 million, two players with this type of salary was expensive.
This is the second time the Roughriders have given Weston Dressler his walking papers. However when Dressler was first released in January of 2014, it was done as a favour to the player who was looking to pursue NFL opportunities. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in February of 2014 but was waived in August. On August 27, 2014 after clearing NFL waivers Dressler had contract offers from Ottawa, Saskatchewan and Calgary with Ottawa’s offer reportedly being the largest of the three. Dressler ended up signing back with the Roughriders, showing loyalty to the team, and trying to win another Grey Cup. The decision may not look great in hindsight.
Meanwhile, John Chick has been an absolute beast on the defensive line for the Riders, often amongst the CFL leaders in sacks. Chick was an instant fan favourite in Saskatchewan. In 2009, Chick was named the top defensive player in the CFL and was also granted a release from the Riders to pursue opportunities in NFL. He signed with the Indianapolis Colts and spent the entire 2010 season on the practice roster. He then went to Jacksonville and played 11 games in 2011. He was on the roster in 2012 but placed on the physically unable to perform list due to the fact he was recovering from injuries. He would play 8 games before being released by the Jaguars. Chick would return to the CFL in 2013 when he signed back with the Riders.
A following move made by Saskatchewan was the signing of defensive end Shawn Lemon. He will replace attempt to replace the big shows Jon Chick leaves behind. Lemon spent last year with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and San Francisco 49ers before being cut and then signing with the REDBLACKS and helping them to a Grey Cup appearance.
