The Riders have released defensive end Jonathan Woodard so he can pursue a job in the NFL.

The 6-foot-5, 271 pounder was a revelation on the Riders defense. He finished second in the CFL in sacks in the regular season (10), behind teammate AC Leonard. Woodard added another sack in the 2021 Western Semifinal. He played in all 16 regular- & post-season games in 2021.

Woodard burst onto the scene with three sacks in the Riders Week 2 game vs. Hamilton. He added two more the next week against Ottawa.

The 28 year old is going back to the NFL where he’s been a member of four teams. He played six games for the Miami Dolphins in 2018.

Should Woodard return to the CFL, the Riders hold his rights through the end of the 2022 season.