The Saskatchewan Roughriders added to their quarterback depth in a trade with Calgary. The Riders sent a 2025 eighth-round draft pick to the Stampeders for the negotiating rights to Jake Maier.
However, Maier is not yet guaranteed to be in Green and White in 2025. The 27-year-old is a pending free agent, meaning that the Rider's exclusive window to re-sign him expires on February 2, 2025, when the Canadian Football League’s free agent negotiation period begins.
Maier, who has spent his entire CFL career in Calgary, could join a quarterback room with incumbent starter Trevor Harris, Notre Dame graduate Jack Coan and newly signed Michael Hiers. Then there's pending free agent Shea Patterson.
Roughrider’s general manager Jeremy O’Day, told Riderville.com’s Rob Vanstone the opportunity to acquire Maier was too good to pass up.
“He’s an established guy and has proven that he can play at a high level,” O’Day said. “He makes some throws that you get excited about, for sure.”
Maier has a connection to the current Riders coaching staff, Saskatchewan offensive coordinator Marc Mueller coached him in Calgary for three seasons. O’Day admitted that relationship was part of the considerations that went into making the deal.
“The relationship with Marc and how he speaks about him is really positive.”
O’Day hopes to connect with Maier and his representation in the new year to discuss a contract, but until then, he remains cautiously optimistic.
“It’s a tricky one to talk about, because we still have to figure out a contract with him. We want to welcome him, but we also know that we still have some work to do so that he’s with us for more than a month or two.”
The lobbying has already started, as head coach Corey Mace reached out to Maier on Monday. Harris also was in contact with the veteran QB and is all for the addition to the quarterback room, stating he will do anything to help the team.
