Okotoks Anthony Parker's glad to be back with the Calgary Stampeders for the next couple of years.

The veteran wide receiver, who signed a deal just hours before becoming a free agent Tuesday, February 13, says you either love or hate contract negotiations.

"I'm more on the hate side. I don't like going through the whole process. Obviously you like to have the job security and things like that. But at the end of the day it's part of the business, you've got to understand that as well. The dust has settled now, and I'm glad to be back and excited for the year to come."

Parker says he'll miss some of his teammates who won't be back next year, in particular fellow receiver Marquay McDaniel, who he says he was "tight" with.

But he understands it's a business and is quick to point out that the changes aren't being made because of back to back Grey Cup losses, but for other reasons like players ages and salary cap issues.

He says he's looking forward to getting camp going in May and being a veteran presence who can help mentor some of the up and coming players.

Parker, a first round selection of the Stamps back in 2011, is heading into his eighth season with the team.