Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
EDMONTON — On the even of free agency, the Eskimos locked up five of their own, extending the contracts of veterans DB Forrest Hightower, WR Kenny Stafford, FB Calvin McCarty, LS Ryan King and OL Colin Kelly.
Hightower appeared in 11 games this past season where he recorded 26 tackles and three interceptions. He enters his fifth season in the CFL, his third with the Green and Gold.
McCarty appeared in all 18 games this past season where he finished with 14 receptions for 110 yards and one carry for four yards. The current longest-serving Edmonton Eskimo, 12 years and 187 games, also recorded four special teams tackles. McCarty was also a member of the 2015 Grey Cup championship team.
Stafford appeared in, and started, 17 games this season for the Green and Gold where he finished with 55 receptions for 781 yards and two touchdowns. Stafford enters his seventh CFL season and his fourth with Edmonton. Stafford was also a member of the 2015 Grey Cup championship team.
Kelly appeared in, and started, all 18 games this past season at right tackle. Kelly originally signed in Edmonton in 2017 after spending the 2014 and 2015 seasons with the Ottawa RedBlacks. He has currently played in 56 career CFL games.
King appeared in all 18 games this past season where he recorded four special teams tackles. King has spent his entire seven-year career in the Green and Gold and has appeared in 104 career games. King was also a member of the 2015 Grey Cup championship team.
