Courtesy Regina Leader Post:

Saskatchewan Roughriders guard Mike Abou-Mechrek was carrying an armload of footballs throughout the CFL team’s locker room Wednesday, stopping his teammates to get their signatures on his Grey Cup-winning memorabilia.

Linebacker Kitwana Jones was getting a team photograph signed. Defensive back Airabin Justin, like the other players, walked out with his white jersey while several teammates shoved the contents of their lockers into their versions of a CFL Samsonite — green garbage bags. Garbage Bag Day is a year-ending tradition in the CFL, but this year the Roughriders are the only team enjoying it as champions, which explained why they lingered a little longer than usual in their hallowed space, wondering how their team might change in 2008.

“It’s always hard after you win a championship to bring everybody back,” said defensive back Eddie Davis, who is among a lengthy list of Roughriders whose contracts expire Feb. 15. “That’s the hard thing, to keep the core of the team together. If guys understand what we’re trying to do here, we can go out and win another Grey Cup if we keep everybody together.”

Among the other potential free agents are linebacker Reggie Hunt, wide receiver Matt Dominguez, fullback Chris Szarka, offensive linemen Wayne Smith and Jermese Jones, defensive tackle Marcus Adams and defensive backs Rontarius Robinson, Tad Kornegay and Dustin Cherniawski.

There is another dozen or so players entering the option years of their contracts, which used to mean they could sign with NFL teams during the offseason. That might change this year with the pending expiration of the CFL/NFL agreement.

“This is my first choice, coming back to Saskatchewan,” said Hunt, echoing the sentiments of his fellow free-agents-to-be.

“If we don’t come to an agreement, it obviously wasn’t meant to be. But I would like it to happen.

“These are my brothers in here and it would be very unfortunate if I didn’t play with them again. But I understand the nature of the business. It’s business first, I understand that.”

Hunt, 30, had an OK regular season as the Roughriders compiled a 12-6-0 record, but he shone in the playoffs as the Roughriders reeled off victories over the Calgary Stampeders in the West final, the former Grey Cup-champion B.C. Lions in the West final and 23-19 over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Grey Cup.

Davis was asked if he was returning in 2008.

“I’m waiting to see how this thing pans out,” he replied. “I’m not ruling out anything right now. I’ve had a great time playing here in Saskatchewan and I love playing for this team.”

Davis is 34 and a 13-year CFL veteran. His value showed especially when the Roughriders’ secondary struggled while Davis was on the nine-game injury list with a dislocated shoulder. Those are the types of things being considered by Roughriders general manager Eric Tillman and head coach Kent Austin as they look into the future.

“You can always improve,” said Austin. “Whether you get that done or not is another issue.

“I have a responsibility to improve this football team. We are in a change business.”

Dominguez, 29, missed the playoffs and final eight regular-season games because of knee surgery. He intends to be fully recovered by training camp and, like Hunt and about 12 other players, will spend the offseason in Regina.

“I do want to stay here, unless something changes,” said Dominguez. “I have no preconceived notion of being somewhere else.”

Adams, Smith, Jones, Szarka, Robinson, Kornegay and Cherniawski also indicated they wanted to pursue a second straight championship with Saskatchewan. The only player who is certain he isn’t returning is Yo Murphy, the 36-year-old receiver who is sticking with his preseason plans of making his 15th pro season his final campaign.

“I might want to stay till I’m 70,” said Murphy. “But going out as a champion — it doesn’t make sense to come back. We had a great time and a season I’ll always remember. I’m not going to ruin this.”