REDBLACKS Add QB Depth with Jake Maier Signing
Ottawa football fans have fresh reason for optimism this offseason as the REDBLACKS announced the signing of quarterback Jake Maier, adding a proven CFL arm to their quarterback room ahead of the 2026 season.
Maier is no stranger to the Canadian Football League. The 27-year-old has carved out a reputation as a capable pivot with real starting experience at the professional level. His arrival in Ottawa gives the REDBLACKS a legitimate option at the position as the organization continues to reshape its roster.
Who Is Jake Maier?
Maier came into the CFL after an impressive college career and quickly established himself as a reliable quarterback. He's shown the ability to read defences, manage the pocket, and make throws in tight windows, skills that translate well to the wide-open CFL game. At his age, he's still very much in his developmental prime, which makes the signing an intriguing one for Ottawa's long-term planning at the position.
For fans who remember the REDBLACKS' better years, the back-to-back Grey Cup appearances in 2015 and 2016, the franchise knows better than most how important quarterback stability is to winning in this league. Landing Maier is a step toward re-establishing that foundation.
What It Means for Ottawa Fans
For REDBLACKS supporters who pack TD Place on Bank Street each summer, this is encouraging news. Ottawa's offence has needed a jolt, and adding competition and depth at quarterback is one of the clearest ways to push the group forward.
The signing also reflects a broader commitment from the organization to be aggressive in building a competitive roster. CFL free agency and the signing period can be a quiet time for smaller-market teams, but Ottawa is clearly signalling that they intend to compete, not just participate, in 2026.
TD Place has one of the more passionate fanbases in the league, and after a few tough seasons, those fans are hungry for a team that can make a real Grey Cup run. Every move that strengthens the quarterback room brings that goal a little closer.
Looking Ahead
With training camp on the horizon, the REDBLACKS' quarterback battle will be one of the most-watched storylines heading into the new season. Maier's addition gives the coaching staff more options and more leverage as they build out the depth chart.
Ottawa has the pieces to be competitive this year. Whether Jake Maier ends up as the starter, a backup, or a key developmental arm, his presence raises the bar for everyone in that room, and that's exactly the kind of culture-building move that contending teams make.
Keep an eye on the REDBLACKS this offseason. Things are getting interesting at Lansdowne.
Source: Ottawa REDBLACKS official announcement via Google News.
