There is a chance Bashir Levingston will stay with the Argos.
The team talked to the return specialist about renegotiating his contract on the weekend and presented him with the revised terms yesterday. Levingston is in the final year of a deal scheduled to pay him $125,000, including a $20,000 bonus slated to be paid out tomorrow.
Levingston is mulling over the deal with his wife and parents, and likely will talk with the team today.
"I like it here and this is where I got my start, but I've got to look (the offer) over and see what's best," he said. "There are 40 people on the (starting roster from last last year) and all 40 won't be back. Wherever you go it's always going to be like that. Some people are higher up on the food chain."
Levingston has been with the team since 2002 and has established himself as arguably the best pure returner in the Canadian Football League, but appeared to be expendable following the signing last week of free agent Keith Stokes. He played the last two years with Winnipeg, proving himself as a solid returner/receiver. Levingston has been used almost exclusively as a returner by Toronto, but wants to do more.
Levingston didn't know in what direction the team planned to go with after signing Stokes and asked for his release.
"It's surprising that they would want us both, but it's cool," he said. "I'd love to be back. It's my home away from home. I've got a lot of great memories and moments. It's something I've got to take into consideration."
Winnipeg received permission from the Argos last week to talk to Levingston's agent about working out a deal. Blue Bombers' general manager Brendan Taman said he'd be interested in Levingston if the Argos picked up a portion of his contract and the player agreed to restructure his contract, but Levingston has not yet talked to the Bomberst.
If the Argos release Levingston, there is a good chance he could surface in the East, specifically with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who need a returner.
BRIEFLY
The Argos secured the last of their starting offensive linemen, agreeing to terms with Jude St. John ... The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed non-import kicker Rob Pikula to replace departing veteran Paul McCallum ... The Ticats signed import running back Anthony Davis to a one-year contract .
if they work something out with Levingston, does Stokes become trade bait?