Saskatchewan Roughriders release veteran stars John Chick, Weston Dressler

REGINA – The Saskatchewan Roughriders released veteran stars John Chick and Weston Dressler on Thursday.

Chick, a defensive end, spent six seasons with Saskatchewan and was the CFL’s top defensive player in 2009. Dressler, a receiver, was the league’s top rookie in 2008 and cracked the 1,000-yard receiving plateau in five of his eight seasons with the Riders.

“Decisions like these are never easy but we felt it was necessary in order for us to move forward and better position ourselves as a football team,” Chris Jones, Saskatchewan’s head coach and GM, said in a statement. “We spoke with each player and their respective agents at length in an attempt to negotiate more cap friendly contracts but unfortunately could not reach satisfactory agreements.”

Chick, a two-time Grey Cup champion with Saskatchewan, is ranked fourth in franchise history with 53 sacks. Dressler, a member of the Riders’ 2013 championship team, stands third in all-time receiving yards (7,797) and fifth in receiving TDs (50).

“We want to thank John and Weston for all that they have done for the Roughriders and the province of Saskatchewan,” added Jones. “We wish them both the best of luck.”