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The lines of communication remain open between the Argos and Ricky Ray, a four-time Grey Cup champion quarterback who continues to contemplate his future.

No pressure has been applied, no deadline established, just an open dialogue between player and club, which as early as last Friday announced a two-year deal with James Franklin.

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If Ray does return, the Argos have an ideal quarterback combo, a veteran hand to help guide an emerging and young arm in Franklin, the perfect mix to deal with an 18-game schedule while having in place a slam dunk succession plan when Ray calls it a day.

GM Jim Popp said Wednesday the team is expecting Ray to decide by as early as the end of this month, the latest being the build up to CFL free agency in early February.

“He’s going to give us an answer before free agency starts,’’ said Popp of the annual free for all, which this year kicks off on Feb. 13. “We’ve had good dialogue, not just with me, but he’s had his talks with coach (Marc) Trestman, coach (Marcus) Brady, but there’s been no pressure in terms of us saying: ‘What are you going to do?’