Glen Suitor explains Austin Mack was released early to help the team manage roster and finances ahead of the CFL offseason bonus

CFL analyst Glen Suitor spoke about the reasoning behind teams releasing players before offseason roster bonus payments, highlighting recent cases involving Austin Mack and Tim White.

Mack, the Montreal Alouettes receiver, was scheduled to receive a $45,000 bonus on February 1, but the team released him before that date.

Suitor explained that while fans often react negatively on social media, calling it unfair or disruptive for players and their families, there is a business side to these decisions.

He noted that Mack had a strong 2023 season, but injuries limited his impact last year, and the team needed to assess whether the $200,000 they were spending on him could deliver the same production as a different player.

“This is pro football,” Suitor said, “both sides of the equation need to be considered. Teams are managing finances and roster needs, and sometimes that means making difficult decisions before bonuses are due.”

Suitor acknowledged it’s unfortunate for players and fans when stars are cut, as ideally athletes would settle in a city, buy homes, and become long-term faces of the franchise. However, he stressed that teams must prioritize getting the best performance and value possible, even if it means releasing previously high-performing players.

He also discussed Tim White, the veteran receiver released by Hamilton before becoming a free agent, despite producing four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. White had been one of the highest-paid receivers in the CFL, but inconsistency on the field and salary considerations led the Tiger-Cats to part ways.

Suitor emphasized that players like White and Mack still have opportunities to prove themselves elsewhere, framing it as a chance for redemption: “When an athlete is released, they often want to show that the team made a mistake. Give them a good quarterback, and they can make a statement on any team.”