ANOTHER BUSY FRIDAY IN THE CFL

CALGARY – The Calgary Stampeders released receiver Marquay McDaniel on Friday.

McDaniel played in 15 regular-season games for Calgary last season and had 65 catches for 860 yards and four touchdowns.

“This is a very difficult decision that was made necessary because of the realities of the salary-cap system,” Stampeders president and general manager John Hufnagel said in a release. “Marquay has been an excellent player for us for the past six seasons and we owed him the opportunity to explore his options around the league prior to the start of free agency on Tuesday.”

“We wish him the best of luck and would certainly welcome him back in the future if the circumstances were right for both sides.”

McDaniel joined the Stampeders in 2011 after starting his career with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

The 33-year-old had 417 catches for 5,555 yards and 27 touchdowns in 93 regular-season games with Calgary.
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EDMONTON – The Edmonton Eskimos extended their contract with linebacker J.C. Sherritt through the 2019 season on Friday.

Sherritt appeared in only one game last season, recording a fumble before sustaining a season-ending injury in the game.

A former Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, Sherritt has played in 91 career games in seven years with the Eskimos.

“J.C. Sherritt is a vital part of this organization both on and off the field,” Eskimos General Manager Brock Sunderland said. “His play on the field speaks for itself, and we’re a better defence with him in the lineup.”

Sunderland said Sherritt has aggressively fought through rehab and is excited to get back on the field in the upcoming season.
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MONTREAL – Offensive lineman Philip Blake has signed a two-year contract with the Montreal Alouettes.

The six-foot-two 311-pound Blake is entering his fourth CFL season. The Toronto native was drafted in the third round by Montreal in 2011.

Injuries limited the 32-year-old to nine games last season after he started all 36 games in his first two seasons.

“It was important for us to have Philip return,” general manager Kavis Reed said in a release. “On top of being a force on our offensive line, Philip is one of the most appreciated guys in the locker room.”

(Canadian Press)