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Riders release NFL-bound Weston Dressler: the first offseason loss of many?

Andrew Bucholtz

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have had an offseason of difficult losses already, and it looks like it may be about to get worse. The team released star slotback Weston Dressler Thursday, and while the move wasn't all that unexpected (Dressler was set to be a free agent Feb. 15 and had received interest from several NFL teams), it means the loss of one of their best players is finally a reality. There's also continuing NFL interest in star running back Kory Sheets, and the Riders have plenty of other players set to hit the open market in February, so this loss may just be one of many when all's said and done. Attrition's to be expected when you win a championship, but still, the loss of a long-time face of the franchise like Dressler (like also-departed receiver Andy Fantuz, he had his own line of edibles) seems like one that will particularly sting in Saskatchewan. As Riders' assistant GM Jeremy O'Day told The Canadian Press, Dressler will be tough to replace:

Weston and his agent were very up front they were going to go through the process and we were made aware of a possible situation coming up in the next couple of days where Weston was more than likely going to get an opportunity," O'Day told reporters. "From our standpoint it's tough to lose such a good player that's been here for a long time, is a leader in the locker-room.

"But again, you've got to feel happy for him that he gets that opportunity. He hasn't gone through the process of being in the NFL and as any competitor you just want to see how you compare with the best available players. We wish him the best."

Some Saskatchewan fans were already mourning the loss on Twitter Thursday:

There's no official word on where Dressler's landing yet, but Sportsnet's Arash Madani tweeted he's off to Kansas City. His NFL prospects aren't a sure thing, given his small stature (he's listed at 5'7'', 179 pounds) and the general difficulties of going from the CFL to the NFL, but Dressler has a great set of hands, and some small guys like Denver's Wes Welker (5'9'', 180) and Danny Woodhead (5'8'', 200) have found plenty of success down south, so he may have a chance, especially if he's able to contribute on punt or kick returns: B.C. RB Stefan Logan earned a Pro Bowl alternate nod as a returner during his NFL days, and he's even smaller (5'6'', 180 pounds). Regardless of if he lands and sticks with Kansas City or another team, though, Dressler told Rod Pedersen he's requested to wear #13 in the NFL in honour of the Riders' famed 13th man fans. That's an impressive move from Dressler, and one that's to be expected from someone who excelled on and off the field over six seasons in Saskatchewan. While he'll leave a void with the Riders, he may be set to win a new group of fans south of the border.