The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released American defensive lineman A.C. Leonard, the team announced on Tuesday.
According to 3DownNation reporter John Hodge, Leonard was due a $40,000 off-season roster bonus on Feb. 1. He was also slated to be the highest-paid defensive lineman in the CFL in 2023.
“The club wishes to thank A.C. for his contributions to the team over his five seasons in Green and White,” the club wrote in a statement.
The 31-year-old made 33 defensive tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble over 13 games this past season. It was the fewest number of sacks he recorded since converting to the defensive line as a member of the Riders in 2016. He led the league in sacks during the 2021 season with 11.
The six-foot-two, 250-pound defender has played 97 career CFL games as a member of the Riders, B.C. Lions and Ottawa Redblacks. He has made 234 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, 39 sacks, six forced fumbles, and one interception. He was named an East Division all-star in 2018 as a member of the Redblacks.
