Calgary Stampeders welcome the return of defensive lineman Jaylon Hutchings

The Calgary Stampeders are bringing back a familiar face they say makes all the difference for their defensive line.

At the end of last season, Jaylon Hutchings wanted to give the NFL a shot. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings but suffered a hamstring injury before the start of training camp and was released.

Hutchings didn’t land with another NFL team and admits it was frustrating.

“I had aspirations to go to the league and just how it happened it was definitely a tough pill to swallow,” said the 26-year-old defensive lineman.

“At the same time, having an opportunity to come back to Calgary, I’m very grateful to be here and I believe everything happens for a reason so (I’m) glad to be here.”

Signs three-year deal with Stampeders

On Sunday, the Stamps brought Hutchings back to Calgary, signing him to a three-year contract.

Hutchings, who was a free agent and could have signed anywhere, says it was an easy decision to come back to Calgary.

“I love the coaching staff and I love my teammates,” Hutchings said.

“We had something special here last year. We were close to making it to the finals, so I want to run it back and keep it here and bring a Grey Cup back to Calgary.”

The Stamps are certainly glad Hutching decided to come back to Calgary. Head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson says he makes the defensive line much better.

“Hutch is a difference maker,” said Dickenson.

“Ask people around the league and for him to commit for three years, I think that shows a lot. When he said I’m coming back and I want to be here and be a leader and accomplish great things here in Canada.”

Orimalade back on the field

Hutchings says he’s healthy and could play on Friday against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Stamps season opener, but he’ll leave that up to Dickenson.

But meanwhile, the Stampeders are celebrating more good needs on their defensive line as veteran Folarin Orimalade, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon in game 12 last year, returned to the turf with his teammates for the first time since suffering the injury.

He says he feels good and could play Friday night.

“(It) feels good, I’m not going to lie,” Orimalade said.

“My teammates are more excited than me, not that I’m not excited but they’re visibly more excited so that means a lot for sure.”

The Stamps and Blue Bombers kick off the CFL season on Friday night. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at McMahon Stadium.