TORONTO — S.J. Green is getting a head start on CFL free agency.
The Toronto Argonauts granted the veteran American receiver's request to be released Friday. He was scheduled to become a free agent Tuesday.
"He asked for his release to pursue other opportunities,” Argos GM Mike (Pinball) Clemons said in a statement. "We grant his request with a pint of sorrow and a gallon of gratitude, and a gentle reminder that the door is still open."
Green, 34, spent three seasons with Toronto after being acquired from the Montreal Alouettes in April 2017. He was a 1,000-yard receiver throughout his Argos' tenure and last year became the 18th player in CFL history to top 10,000 career yards.
The six-foot-two, 217-pound Green's best season with Toronto came in 2017 when he had 104 receptions for 1,462 yards and 10 TDs. He helped the Argos win a Grey Cup title that year.
Riders re-sign Shaq Evans and sign former Jaguars receiver Greene
REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders re-signed receiver Shaq Evans and signed former NFL receiver Rashad Greene on Friday.
The six-foot-one, 210-pound Evans inked a one-year extension after a breakout 2019 season that saw him named a CFL All-Star.
The 28-year-old was fourth in the league in receiving yards catching 72 receptions on 1,334 yards and added five touchdowns.
The Inglewood, Calif., native earned more than 100 yards receiving in six games this season including a 193-yard game against Winnipeg. He led the CFL in average yards per catch at 18.6 and in 30-plus yard receptions with 15.
Evans was eligible to become a free agent on Tuesday.
Greene, a 2015 fifth-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars, appeared in 25 regular-season games with the NFL squad. The 27-year-old had 30 receptions for 185 yards and two touchdowns while also returning 41 punts for 448 yards and a TD.
Greene played collegiately at Florida State and helped the Seminoles capture the '13 BCS title. He registered 270 catches for 3,830 yards and 29 TDs, becoming the school's all-time leader in receptions and yards.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 7, 2020.
The Canadian Press