The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have granted linebacker Ian Wild his early release so that he can pursue opportunities in the NFL.

Wild was scheduled to become a free agent in February, but the Bombers let him out of his contract early as a precursor to Wild signing an NFL deal.

The 24-year-old Wild led Winnipeg in tackles last season with 73 and also can perform long-snapping duties.

 “Wild is a great football player in every facet of what you look for, and we are not at all surprised he has garnered interest from the National Football League”, Blue Bombers general manager Kyle Walters said in a team release. “We wish him the best and thank him for his contributions to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.”