Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive end Jonathan Woodard (99). (File photo courtesy of Saskatchewan Roughriders)

By CJME News

Roughriders release Woodard for opportunity in NFL

Feb 7, 2022 | 5:13 PM

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released one of their leading sack artists so he can try his luck in the NFL.

The CFL team announced Monday it had let defensive end Jonathan Woodard out of his contract. The Roughriders will retain the CFL rights to the 28-year-old product of Brentwood, Tenn., through the 2022 season.

The 6-foot-5, 271-pound Woodard had 10 sacks for the Roughriders during the 14-game regular season in 2021, second only to teammate A.C. Leonard in the CFL. Woodard added 21 tackles and two forced fumbles.

He added four tackles and a sack over Saskatchewan’s two playoff games.

Prior to joining the Roughriders in May of 2021, Woodard had NFL stints with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills.

Court proceedings

'The impact of this trauma will echo for generations': court case surrounding La Ronge woman's death reaches conclusion

12h ago

Going Global

P.A.'s Zablocki named to Team Canada for U18 Women's World Championships

13h ago

Election 2024

Birch Hills staff won't share election decision

13h ago

Woodard already has had workouts this off-season with the New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs.

Woodard’s release comes a day after the Roughriders announced they had extended the contract of defensive lineman Pete Robertson, who could replace Woodard as a starter on the D-line.

Woodard is the second player released by the Roughriders this off-season so he could head south. Receiver Brayden Lenius signed with the Atlanta Falcons in January after he was let out of his contract by Saskatchewan.