Calgary Stampeders general manager John Hufnagel announces that the team has released international defensive lineman Freddie Bishop III in order to allow him to sign a contract with a National Football League club.

Bishop was scheduled to become a free agent on Tuesday.

“Freddie has an agreement in place with an NFL club and we are granting him his release now in order to allow him to sign a contract with his new team,” said Hufnagel. “We wish him the best of luck and thank him for his contributions to the Stampeders.”

Bishop played regular-seasons 29 games over three seasons for the Stamps and was the team’s sack leader in 2015 with 11. He recorded a total of 60 tackles and 14 sacks during his time with the Red and White while adding one forced fumble and one pass knockdown.

“I would like to thank the entire Calgary Stampeders organization, especially Coach Huff for giving me the opportunity to play for such a great organization, “ said Bishop. “I also want to thank Coach Stubes (Rich Stubler) and Coach (DeVone) Claybrooks for helping me and allowing me to grow as a player and as a person.

“I want to thank my teammates for all the good times that we’ve shared and all the memories that will never be forgotten. I also want to thank the media and of course, the fans for their never-ending support.”