Photo courtesy: Calgary Stampeders.

Calgary Stampeders’ general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson has been working to re-sign breakout defensive end Clarence Hicks.

“Definitely in contact with Clarence and his agent, I have a good relationship with Hicks. I think our D-line coach, John Bowman, made him better. I think he fit our system, had success. We’d like to have him back, we hope he sees the value of coming back,” Dickenson said from the CFL’s winter meetings in Calgary.

“We’ve definitely had a lot of conversations with him and his agent, meaning that I think we’re going to continue doing that right up until the window. If he gets to the window, and he does test the market, I guess you see what it is.”

The 27-year-old defender suited up for 18 regular-season games with the Stamps in 2025. He recorded 28 defensive tackles, 12 sacks, which ranked third-most in the CFL, and forced two fumbles. Dickenson would like to work out a contract extension prior to the CFL free agent communication window, which opens on Sunday, February 1 at 12 p.m. EST.

“Any player that gets to the window, for me at least, it’s a two-way street, meaning that they have to be ready to also move because we’ll be making offers and talking to other players,” the 53-year-old said. “You’d like to see if you can get things done before the window, and then if they get to the window, I think you take it on an individual basis, see what happens.”

The six-foot-two, 229-pound pass rusher initially signed with Calgary entering the 2024 season. He registered 14 defensive tackles, four sacks, two interceptions and one special teams stop as a CFL rookie. If Hicks hit the open market, he could command high-end dollars at his position.

Meanwhile, Dickenson has had recent conversations with pending free agent strong-side linebacker Derrick Moncrief.

The 32-year-old posted 67 defensive tackles, two interceptions, one touchdown, and one forced fumble in 18 regular-season games last year. He earned the team’s Presidents’ Ring, which is given annually to a player who best demonstrates excellence on and off the field based on in-game contributions, leadership, inspiration, and motivational skills.

“He’s a great person, good football player. Thought he did a nice job in our system — earned a raise. We’ll see what happens,” Dickenson said.