Bo Levi Mitchell is a Hamilton Tiger-Cat.
The veteran quarterback signed a three-year cope with Hamilton, the membership introduced Tuesday. The Ticats acquired the rights to Mitchell in November from the Calgary Stampeders.
That gave Hamilton a negotiating window with Mitchell, who was slated to change into a free agent Feb. 14.
Financial particulars weren’t divulged however a supply requesting anonymity mentioned Mitchell might be paid about $500,000 yearly. Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros, the CFL’s excellent participant the previous two years, is thought to be the league’s highest-paid participant, reportedly incomes $600,000 a 12 months.
The supply spoke on the situation of anonymity as a result of the Ticats did not launch Mitchell’s contract figures.
Mitchell, 32, joined the Stampeders in 2012 and had performed his complete CFL profession in Calgary. He led the franchise to 2 Grey Cup titles whereas twice being named the league’s excellent participant.
But the Texas native misplaced his beginning job this 12 months to teenager Jake Maier, who signed an extension with the Stampeders by way of the 2024 marketing campaign through the 2022 season.
Mitchell, 32, began 117 of 165 video games with Calgary, finishing 2,496 of three,866 passes (64.6 per cent) for 32,541 yards — the league’s lively chief — with 188 touchdowns and 89 interceptions. The six-foot-two, 190-pound Mitchell began 9 of 18 video games final 12 months, ending 160 of 261 passing (61.3 per cent) for two,101 yards with 9 TD passes and 6 interceptions.
“Bo Levi has an unimaginable document of achievements within the Canadian Football League and is a confirmed champion,” Orlondo Steinauer, Hamilton’s head coach/president of soccer operations, mentioned in a press release. “Throughout the method, it turned clear that Bo, each as an individual and as a participant, can be a superb match for our group and we’re excited to welcome Bo Levi, Madison, and their two youngsters to the town of Hamilton and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats soccer membership.”
2-time all-star
Hamilton will host the 2023 Grey Cup recreation at Tim Hortons Field on Nov. 19.
“I’m excited and honoured for the chance to assist ship a championship to the unimaginable followers in Hamilton,” mentioned Mitchell, a two-time all-star. “This is a superb group that goes above and past to make sure that everybody has what they must be profitable and I’ve the utmost religion in Coach O, his employees and all of the elite gamers on the roster.
“I sit up for incomes my place within the locker room and being part of one thing that I consider may be very particular. I am unable to wait to get to work.”
The signing of Mitchell completes Hamilton’s cope with Calgary. The Ticats additionally acquired the Stampeders 2023 first-round decide (fifth total) and a 2024 third-round choice.
The Stampeders obtain Hamilton’s 2023 first-round decide (fourth total) in addition to third- and sixth-round alternatives along with a 2024 second-round choice.
Hamilton (8-10) completed third within the East Division final season, Dane Evans’ first because the membership’s starter. The Ticats signed Evans to a two-year extension final January, permitting then incumbent Jeremiah Masoli to affix the Ottawa Redblacks as a free agent.
Hamilton ended its season by shedding 28-17 to the Montreal Alouettes within the East Division semifinal.
Evans, who was Hamilton’s starter within the 2019 and ’21 Grey Cups, accomplished 305 of 457 passes (66.7 per cent) for 3,883 yards. But he additionally led the CFL in interceptions (16), fumbles (eight) and fumbles misplaced (seven) whereas profitable simply six of 14 regular-season begins.
Veteran backup Matt Shiltz received two of his three begins this season with Hamilton, finishing 85 of 119 passes (71.4 per cent) for 935 yards with 4 TDs and two interceptions.
Shiltz, who’s additionally scheduled to change into a free agent in February, ran 28 instances for 152 yards (5.4-yard common) and a TD whereas Evans had 202 yards speeding on 59 carries (3.4-yard common) and 4 touchdowns.
