Jake Maier is the newest member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback group. He is excited to put the past behind him and embrace a new role in Green and White.
Maier’s negotiating rights were acquired by the Roughriders from Calgary on December 23, 2024, after the Stampeders deemed him expendable following their acquisition of Vernon Adams Junior.
Maier signed a one-year contract extension with the Riders on Thursday and spoke to Rider Nation less than 24 hours later.
“I always refer to Saskatchewan as the mecca of our league. You hear about all the different places to play in other sports leagues, whether it's Madison Square Garden or Staples Center. For the CFL, I view Saskatchewan like that.”
The Fullerton, California native played four seasons in Calgary, making 45 starts under centre for the Stampeders. In Saskatchewan, he will be QB-2 behind incumbent Trevor Harris. Maier is excited to embrace the new role.
“I think what is allowing me to be as comfortable and confident as I am walking into this situation is there is a lot of familiarity with people in the building here.”
That familiarity comes from offensive coordinator Marc Mueller and head coach Corey Mace, who both were on the Stamps' coaching staff when Maier entered the league.
“It's kind of taking a step back and starting over a little bit, but with people I know are good people and people I trust and respect. I know they have the ability to get the most out of me.”
The 27-year-old Maier joins a quarterback group in Saskatchewan that includes Jack Coan (26), Michael Hiers (25), pending free-agent Shea Patterson, and Trevor Harris (38). Maier has already connected with Harris, whom he greatly appreciates.
“I always enjoy watching a Trevor Harris game because it's very intentional. It's very detailed. He's got great feet. He's got great eyes. He understands the CFL game.”
The long-standing joke in Saskatchewan is that the most popular person in the province is the backup quarterback. Maier, though, says there will not be any controversy over who the number one is.
“I know the situation I'm walking into. I want to be nothing but a resource for him. I want to be a supporter. I want to be somebody that just does what he can for the team in any capacity.”
Maier has started seven games against the Riders over the last three seasons, throwing for 1,587 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. That experience gave him a unique perspective of game planning against his new team.
“I'm joining a team that has a very clear identity. (Defensively) they're obsessed with the ball, and offensively, they want to be able to be as efficient as they can.”
“They want to be able to do things that put their players in situations to succeed. They're very physical,” Maier added. “Watching Trevor play quarterback is poetry at times just with the way that he's able to put his eyes and feet in the right place constantly.”
Maier is excited to go to Saskatchewan for training camp and to work in a new role with a new team.
