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Roughriders' Gale, Steele among 4 cuts prior to free agency

Brent Just / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Quarterback Mitchell Gale and running back Curtis Steele are among four Saskatchewan Roughriders who will have a head start on free agency this offseason.

The team announced Friday it has parted ways with Gale and Steele, along with wide receiver Shamawd Chambers and linebacker Dylan Ainsworth. All four would have become free agents Feb. 14 had they remained with the club.

Gale was acquired in July of last season in a trade that saw defensive lineman Shawn Lemon head to the Toronto Argonauts. Gale appeared in 15 games last season, three starts, and passed for 950 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions.

In 2016, his first season with the Riders, Steele made seven starts, recording 54 carries for 314 yards while chipping in with 16 catches for 138 yards. Prior to his tenure with the Riders, Steele spent three seasons with the Argonauts, appearing in 33 games.

Chambers started six of his 14 appearances for the Riders, hauling in 25 catches for 269 yards and a touchdown. Ainsworth didn't suit up for the Riders in 2016 after suffering a season-ending injury in training camp.

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