The Toronto Argonauts released six players Friday in an attempt to deal with the league's new salary cap.
The club let go veteran linebackers Antonious Bonner and Jeff Kelly, defensive end Eric England, offensive tackle Jerome Davis, receivers Shockmain Davis and R. Jay Soward.
"We would like to thank all of the players for their great years with the Argonauts," said Argonauts GM/Vice President Football Operations Adam Rita in a statement. "We wish them the best for the future. As a team, we need to make changes to work under the new salary management system and bring younger, vital players to key positions."
Bonner joined the team in 1997 and was one of the club's longest-serving players. In ten seasons as an Argo, he won two Grey Cups, made 431 defensive tackles, picked off 17 passes, and is tied for third most touchdowns by interception in club history with three.
England arrived in Toronto in 2003, making an immediate impact, being named a CFL and East Division All-Star. England's 29 sacks were sixth most by an Argonaut player.
Soward recorded a touchdown once in every four receptions, with a total of 48 receptions for 785 yards and 11 TDs over three seasons as a Boatman.
Davis was a two-year starter at right tackle along the Argos' offensive line. He was named an East Division All-Star for the first time in his career in 2006.
Davis was plagued with injuries all season long. He was placed on the Argos injured reserve list in week nine for the remainder of the season.
Kelly replaced injured lineback Michael Fletcher for the first four weeks of the season before suffering a leg injury that would sideline him for the majority of the year.