Saskatchewan Roughriders release Canadian LB Matt Dean, one other

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The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released Canadian linebacker Matt Dean and American defensive back Holton Hill.

Dean was the team’s third-round pick in the 2023 CFL Draft out of York University. The six-foot-one, 227-pound native of Oshawa, Ont. dressed for four regular season games as a rookie last year, recording one special teams tackle.

The 25-year-old was named an OUA all-star during his final collegiate season in 2022 as well as York’s Most Valuable Player.

Hill played 26 career NFL games as a member of the Minnesota Vikings, recording 73 defensive tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception, one sack, and one fumble recovery. He signed with the Riders in March 2024.

The native of Houston, Texas played three collegiate seasons at the University of Texas, tallying 121 tackles, one tackle for loss, three interceptions, 14 pass deflections, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble. As a junior in 2017, he was suspended for the final three games of the season due to an undisclosed violation of team rules.

The Riders have completed their two-game preseason schedule and must complete their final roster cuts by Saturday, June 1 at 10:00 p.m. local time.