Veteran receiver Drew Wolitarsky released by Winnipeg Blue Bombers

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers released Canadian receiver Drew Wolitarsky on Monday, just two days after veteran linebacker and habitual all-star Adam Bighill announced on social media that the team had also parted ways with him.

In a news release on the Blue Bombers' website, general manager Kyle Walters said the decision to release Wolitarsky was a difficult one, describing him as "a solid contributor for the team [who] was popular in the locker room and was instrumental in two Grey Cup championships.

"And for that the franchise is forever grateful."

The decision came just before Wolitarsky, 29, was reportedly due a five-figure bonus Saturday if he remained on the roster.

Winnipeg selected Wolitarsky in the 2017 CFL supplemental draft out of the University of Minnesota. Over seven CFL seasons and 89 regular-season games with the Blue and Gold, Wolitarsky registered 227 catches for 2,954 yards and 18 touchdowns.

He was also a member of two Grey Cup-winning Bombers teams (2019, 2021).

Last year he had 33 catches for 403 yards and a touchdown but was limited by injuries to just 10 regular-season games.

For his part, Bighill, 36, posted on Facebook that he wasn't mad about the Bombers' decision because he understands it's a business.

"Sure it's disappointing when things don't work out the way you want them to, but I knew this was a possibility and by no means was caught off guard," he wrote.

Bighill's season came to an abrupt end on Sept. 1, after an injury forced him to undergo surgery and rehab on his left knee.

The six-time CFL all-star, in his Facebook post on Saturday, said he is not yet planning on hanging up his cleats.

"My intentions are to keep playing. Rehab is going great, and it's all training in the gym/running/plyos. We will see what the next chapter holds," he wrote.

The Bombers have not posted anything on their website about the decision concerning Bighill.

Bighill, who is originally from Montesano, Wash., has called Winnipeg his year-round home since joining the Bombers in 2018. He, wife Kristina and their three children are involved in numerous community fundraisers, charities and events.

Bighill came to the Bombers after six seasons with the CFL's B.C. Lions and one with the New Orleans Saints in the NFL.

Despite the move by the Bombers, Bighill's Facebook post contains nothing but accolades for the team. 

"Thanks for the Bombers organization bringing me in, the football experience is top notch. I've been around for a while and sometimes players don't know how good they have it," he wrote.

"Winnipeg takes care of their players and I'm very thankful to have been part of helping this organization bring back the Grey Cup to the province of Manitoba."