The Calgary Stampeders have released veteran American offensive lineman Derek Dennis as part of their final roster cuts, per league sources.
Dennis suffered a season-ending leg injury against the B.C. Lions in Week 16 of last year but returned to practice mid-way through training camp. He signed a one-year extension to remain with the Stampeders this offseason, indicating that it could be the final year of his professional career.
The 34-year-old made 14 starts at left tackle prior to the injury, anchoring a unit that allowed a league-best 17 sacks and led the CFL with 135.3 rushing yards per game. He was named a West Division all-star and CFL all-star, while also earning Calgary’s nomination for the league’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman award.
The Temple product has played 86 career regular season CFL games over three separate stints with Calgary, interrupted by stops in Saskatchewan and Edmonton. He was named the league’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2016 and won a Grey Cup with the Stampeders in 2018, earning CFL all-star honours twice and West Division all-star honours four times.
Calgary is scheduled to open the 2023 CFL season on Thursday, June 8 when they host the B.C. Lions at McMahon Stadium.
