John Grace strolled in late to garbage bag day, obviously in no hurry to get his stuff out of the Calgary Stampeders' locker-room. Whether that's a sign he's in Cowtown to stay is anyone's guess. Grace will be a free agent Feb. 15 and re-signing him is a top priority for GM-head coach Matt Dunigan.

But after an outstanding season where Grace was player of the week four times and the Stamps' nominee for the CFL's defensive player of the year, he will play the waiting game.

"We'll see what the off-season holds," Grace said. "I let my agent handle that. I don't get mixed up in it but I have the final say. He keeps me involved on what's going on. I try to stay away from that as much as I can."

Calgary's defence was its strength during a 4-14 campaign and should be just as strong next year if the unit stays intact. That'll require re-signing key free agents Grace and defensive backs Omar Evans and Joey Boese.

Defensive lineman Antwone Young signed a two-year-plus-an-option deal yesterday before returning home to California.

Dunigan said he has already approached Grace's agent with a deal.

"I'm pretty sure my agent will call me in the next couple of days and tell me what's what," Grace said.

Evans will wait until he's a free agent before he inks a new deal. Before he commits to the Stamps, Evans wants to make sure defensive co-ordinator Denny Creehan will be back once his contract runs out.

"I'll bide my time and wait and see what unfolds," Evans said. "I hope to be back in Calgary because I'm tired of moving around."

Other defensive players needing new deals are safety Matt McKnight, lineman Garrett Smith and cornerback William Fields.

On the offensive side of the ball, two impressive newcomers -- receiver Nik Lewis and running back Joffrey Reynolds -- are entering their option years and are hoping to secure some NFL tryouts.

"I'm in no hurry to sign a (CFL) extension right now," said Lewis, Calgary's nominee for CFL rookie of the year.

"If (the NFL) doesn't work out, I'll be happy to come back up here and go at it again and get ready for next year."

Reynolds, who rushed for 497 yards in five games, said he'll most likely return to the CFL and would love to come back to Calgary.