Why Jake Maier Chose the Ottawa Redblacks Over the Saskatchewan Roughriders
Veteran CFL quarterback Jake Maier didn’t plan to leave the Saskatchewan Roughriders after helping the team win the 112th Grey Cup. The 28-year-old was comfortable in the prairie province, enjoying the coaching staff, the offensive system, and the supportive environment.
Throughout the offseason, Jeremy O’Day, Corey Mace, and Marc Mueller kept in close contact with Maier, being upfront and honest about his role and the team’s direction.
“They were totally genuine,” Maier said. “If you’re back, we love you and will take care of you. If not, we understand because we know what you have to do for your family. That honesty made it really hard to leave.”
Ottawa’s offer tipped the scales
Maier’s decision came down to two options: stay in Saskatchewan or move to Ottawa. The Redblacks offered him a $35,000 raise on his 2025 contract and made a compelling pitch through VP of Football Operations Shawn Burke and head coach/general manager Ryan Dinwiddie.
“The Ottawa deal takes care of my family better,” Maier said. “At this stage in my career, that matters. The CFL is a year-to-year league, and you have to make sure the choice is right for your family — especially with my daughter now.”
Maier and his wife Amanda had managed a stable family life during his first three years in the CFL, even when he was away from home for the season. With the birth of their daughter Everly Marie in October 2023, the couple has prioritized stability, keeping life simple and close to family.
Financial and playing considerations
Financially, the Redblacks’ offer made Maier the highest-paid backup QB in the CFL. His one-year contract is worth $200,000 in guaranteed money, including a $75,000 signing bonus, with potential playtime and performance bonuses pushing the total to $263,000.
Maier also considered potential playing time. Trevor Harris is the Redblacks’ starter, while injuries limited Dru Brown to nine starts in 2025. Ottawa stressed that every team needs two quarterbacks capable of winning, giving Maier confidence he could contribute if called upon.
“I know this is Trevor Harris’ team, and he deserves everything he’s achieved,” Maier said. “But Ottawa gives me the chance to be prepared, work hard, and prove myself if needed. Whatever happens over the season will run its course.”
Ottawa’s offseason moves and outlook
The Redblacks were active in free agency, adding Maier, running back Greg Bell, offensive lineman Martez Ivey, defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado, linebacker A.J. Allen, strong-side linebacker C.J. Reavis, and defensive back Demerio Houston. They also saw departures, including quarterback Dustin Crum and return specialist DeVonte Dedmon to the Montreal Alouettes, and linebacker Adarius Pickett to the Toronto Argonauts.
Ottawa holds the first overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, set for Tuesday, April 28 at 7 p.m. ET. Training camps open Sunday, May 10, with the preseason starting against the Alouettes on May 22 and the regular season beginning against the Edmonton Elks on June 6.
After finishing fourth in the East with a 4-14 record in 2025, the Redblacks aim to turn things around under Ryan Dinwiddie’s leadership. Maier’s arrival provides a reliable, experienced backup QB with 47 CFL starts, ready to step in if required and strengthen Ottawa’s bid to return to the postseason.
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