The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released American receiver Jake Wieneke.
The 29-year-old had one year remaining on his contract with the Riders but was due a $30,000 offseason bonus on February 1, per sources. He was scheduled to make $152,500 in hard money next season, with playtime and performance incentives worth an additional $29,000 or more.
Wieneke was a top free agent signing by the Riders in 2023, following quarterback Trevor Harris over from Montreal. He failed to live up to expectations, appearing in just six games due to injury and collecting 17 receptions for 177 yards.
The six-foot-four, 215-pound receiver was named the Most Outstanding Rookie in the East Division in 2019 as he recorded 41 receptions for 569 yards and eight touchdowns over 18 games with the Montreal Alouettes. He was named a CFL all-star the following year after making 56 catches for 898 yards for 11 touchdowns. However, he has since seen his production decline.
In 54 career CFL games, Wieneke has caught 159 passes for 2,233 yards and 21 touchdowns.
The native of Maple Grove, Minn. was a star during his collegiate career at South Dakota State where he made 288 receptions for 5,157 yards and 59 touchdowns over 53 games as a member of the Jackrabbits. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings after going unselected in the 2018 NFL Draft but was cut at the end of training camp.
Saskatchewan will begin their 2024 season on Saturday, June 8 when they travel to Edmonton to face the Elks.
