On their first day of training camp, the Calgary Stampeders announce multiple transactions including the retirement of offensive lineman Nila Kasitati.

The announcement came Saturday morning as part of a string of movements made as the team starts training camp.

Nila Kasitati Retirement From CFL

Calgary loses a key member of their offensive line as Nila Kasitati will not be returning to the team after his retirement announcement.

“It was a tough decision to make but regardless, I am proud to have been on this team,” said Kasitati. “It was an honor and pleasure to have been a part of the Stampeders family.”

The former Oklahoma product started 16 games in 2019 for Calgary and playing 20 games in two seasons with the team. He had signed an extension with the Stampeders back in January of 2020 before the CFL season was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I thank Nila for being part of the Stampeders family and wish him the best of luck in the future with his family,” said Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson.

Kasitati was the team’s starting right tackle and expected to continue that role heading into the 2021 season. Leon Johnson and Jordan Morgan will be next in line to compete for the starting right tackle position.

Calgary Signs Ben Whiting, Places Four on Suspension List

The Stampeders add more to their defense with the signing of linebacker and long snapper Ben Whiting. Whiting spent his college career at the University of Saskatchewan as he was drafted by the Montreal Alouettes in the seventh round (57th overall) of the 2019 CFL draft. He would go on to return to college after attending the Alouettes’ training camp in 2019.

Whiting played 46 games for the Huskies, totaling 244 tackles including 15.5 tackles for loss, 12 pass breakups, three sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one interception. Saskatchewan won the Hardy Cup as Canada West champions in 2018 and made the postseason in four of five seasons he was playing there.

American receiver Ryan Grant, American running back Brandon Wilds, global defensive lineman Franklin Agbasimere and global running back Nico Leonard have been placed on the suspended list. The team did not announce the extent of why they were placed on the suspension list.