The Saskatchewan Roughriders made a couple of surprising moves Thursday afternoon, releasing defensive back John Chick and receiver Weston Dressler.

“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,” stated Roughriders vice president of football operations, general manager and head coach, Chris Jones. “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, 33, spent six seasons in Saskatchewan, winning the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player award in 2009 before trying to make it to the NFL. The American returned to the Roughriders in 2013 and won his second Grey Cup with the team that season (first came in 2007).

Dressler, 30, won the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie award in 2008 and was a part of the 2013 Grey Cup team. The American sits third on the team's all-time receiving list with 7,797 and fifth in touchdowns with 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.”

In other Rider news, the team has signed defensive end Shawn Lemon to a two-year contract that can be worth $190,000 per season if all incentives are hit.

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Lemon, 27, played nine games with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2015, recording five sacks and three forced fumbles. The American has also played with the Edmonton Eskimos, Calgary Stampeders as well as NFL practice squad stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers.