Though quarterback Kevin Eakin has said goodbye to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, he's expected to be welcomed back with open arms next summer.
The same might not hold true for Canadian wide receiver Kamau Peterson.
Both players asked to be released on Monday by general manager Marcel Desjardins for different reasons.
Eakin, who started Hamilton's final two games in place of Jason Maas, intends to play NFL Europe next spring in preparation for the 2007 Canadian Football League season.
"He approached us a month ago to find out if we would entertain the thought of releasing him at the end of the season in order for him to go play in NFL Europe again," Desjardins told the Hamilton Spectator.
"That's what we decided to do.
It only makes him better. Hopefully when he comes back to [training] camp next year he has taken another step forward in his development."
Eakin, who played for Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe in 2004, completed 38 of 88 passes for 461 yards and two majors in three starts this season.
But he struggled to regain the form that saw him win two of three starts for the Ticats last season.
Peterson, who was acquired in a trade with Winnipeg last season, left for personal reasons.
Desjardins, however, said the six-foot-one, 210-pound wideout could return in February when the free-agent season opens.
Peterson, 28, led Hamilton in receiving during the 2006 campaign with 51 catches for 567 yards and one major.
"There was no benefit to us to holding onto him," Desjardins said.
"We've had discussions as it relates to a contract if he were to be here next year and we'll leave it at that.
Let's just say the door is not closed.
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