Riders release top lineman Dominic Picard, who quickly lands on his feet in Winnipeg; are they targeting Brett Jones as a replacement?

A decision that was made official Tuesday could have a critical impact on the Saskatchewan Roughriders' 2015 season, but it may take some time before we know if that impact's likely to be positive or negative. The Riders elected to release veteran centre Dominic Picard, who quickly landed on his feet, signing with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Tuesday afternoon. Picard was selected as the team's top offensive lineman in 2014 by media voters and head coach Corey Chamblin, and he's only 32, so releasing him seems a bit curious. CJME's Joel Gasson writes that the team made this move for cap reasons and offered Picard a new, lower contract, which he turned down to head to Winnipeg. At first glance, that makes it look like the Riders will be worse off at centre in 2015. However, there's some speculation floating around that this could be a prelude to nabbing Brett Jones (named the league's most outstanding lineman in 2014) in free agency. There are plenty of hurdles in the way, but if the Riders are able to bring in Jones or another , then this move could be an upgrade instead of a downgrade.

Picard is no slouch himself, and he may well be missed badly. The Sainte-Foy, Quebec native has spent nine seasons in the CFL with Winnipeg, Toronto and Saskatchewan (where he's played since 2012), and he's become one of the league's top centres. The selection of him as the Riders' top lineman in 2014 seemed spot-on from this corner, and his departure for the Bombers could leave Saskatchewan's line vulnerable. Centre is a critical position, often including responsibilities for protection calls and leadership of the line in addition to snapping and blocking duties, and it's a position typically filled by veterans. It's also a position teams like to fill with Canadians, further narrowing the pool of potential candidates; there aren't a lot of experienced CFL centres out there who Saskatchewan could easily tab to replace Picard. However, there is one very compelling target in Jones.

In just two seasons in Calgary, Jones has established himself as one of the best players in this league. He was named the CFL's top rookie in 2013 and followed that up with a selection as the league's top lineman this past season, thanks to playing a critical role on a Stampeders' line that allowed a league-low 26 sacks this year and paved the way for Calgary's dominant rushing and passing attack. He's also just 23. If the Roughriders can acquire Jones, he could not only be a replacement for Picard, but perhaps even an upgrade.

Bringing in Jones will be anything but easy, however. He's one of nine league all-stars who could potentially hit free agency this year, and he's certain to draw plenty of CFL interest from teams beyond Saskatchewan if he does. He may not even get there, too; Calgary would obviously like to extend his contract, and he's had NFL workouts for at least two teams as well. The Roughriders may have a hometown edge; Jones is from Weyburn, Saskatchewan, and he spent his college career at the University of Regina. Still, even with that, there will be lots of competition for Jones' services, certainly from teams north of the border and perhaps from NFL teams as well. If the Riders can land him, their centre position will be in great shape. Otherwise, Picard may be substantially missed in 2015.