The Saskatchewan Roughriders have made a significant splash in the CFL by acquiring talented American quarterback Jake Maier from the Calgary Stampeders. This strategic trade saw the Roughriders send their eighth-round selection in the upcoming 2025 CFL Draft to Calgary, showcasing their determination to strengthen their roster ahead of the new season. With Maier eligible for free agency in February, this acquisition could mark a game-changing moment for the Roughriders.

Standing tall at 6’0” and weighing in at 200 pounds, the 27-year-old Maier has an impressive track record in the league. Over the past four seasons in Calgary, he participated in 65 games, starting 45 of them. His performance has been striking, amassing 1,022 completions for a staggering 11,685 yards and throwing 60 touchdown passes. Maier has also demonstrated his agility and versatility, contributing five rushing touchdowns on 232 yards as well.

Maier's recent season in 2024 was particularly noteworthy. He completed 357 passes, tallying an impressive 3,841 yards—ranking third in the league—and throwing 22 touchdown passes, also placing him third in that category. With a remarkable completion rate of 72.3%, he enjoyed multiple standout performances, including four games where he surpassed the 300-yard mark. Notably, he achieved milestones of over 10,000 passing yards and 1,000 completions during the season—a testament to his consistent playmaking abilities.

In 2023, as Maier's first full campaign as a starter, he made history by becoming the tenth player in Stampeders history to throw for over 4,000 yards in a single season. He finished that year with 4,244 yards and 15 touchdowns and showcased his skills with five games exceeding 300 yards. His peak performance came in Week 7 with a jaw-dropping 450 yards—placing him among an elite group of just seven players in Stampeders history to achieve such a feat in a single game.

Maier’s journey started at the University of California, Davis, where he starred for three seasons (2017-19) and put up astonishing numbers: 992 completions for 11,163 yards and 88 touchdown passes. His college career was decorated, earning him the Big Sky Conference Newcomer of the Year in 2017 and Offensive Player of the Year in 2018, alongside a spot on the All-Big Sky First Team.

Maier's arrival in Saskatchewan signifies the Roughriders' ambition to build a dynamic and competitive team. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this bold move will impact the Roughriders’ chances in the upcoming season as Maier gears up to make his mark in a new chapter of his career. Will he lead the Roughriders to greatness? Only time will tell!