Calgary Stampeders general manager John Hufnagel announces that the team has released national running back Matt Walter.

“I thank Matt for all of his contributions to the club over the past four seasons and wish him the best of luck,” said Hufnagel. “Although we did recently re-sign Jerome Messam, we have increased roster flexibility heading into the 2016 season and it’s no longer necessary for us to start a national at running back and to have a national backup.”

Walter was a fifth-round draft pick of the Stamps in 2011 and he joined the team in 2012. He played 59 career regular-season games — including 14 starts — for Calgary and accumulated 1,264 rushing yards and four touchdowns as well as 28 receptions for 217 yards. He was also a contributor on special teams with 11 tackles and eight kickoff returns for 160 yards.

The University of Calgary product appeared in eight post-season contests and was a member of the Stamps’ 2014 Grey Cup-winning team.